A Review and Bibliography of the Literature of Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder: A Poorly Understood Epidemic that Clearly Threatens the Successful Pollination of Billions of Dollars of Crops in America

Abstract

This article briefs agricultural librarians on three key aspects of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a disease involving the virtually total disappearance and presumed annihilation of the adult bee population of hives: (1) the yearly multibillion dollar importance of honeybees as the nation's key crop pollinators and the annual $200 million domestic production and export of honey; (2) the more common bee diseases and well-known hive stressors that current theories of CCD suggest interact with each other in some as yet undetermined combination, perhaps including new pathogens to which most American bees have limited or no immunity; and (3) several bees other than the honeybee that are not currently affected by CCD and that have some potential as partial substitute pollinators for some crops.Tony Stankus, Life Sciences Librarian and Professor, University of Arkansas Libraries MULN223E,

Entomopathogenic fungi as potential biocontrol agents of the ecto-parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, and their effect on the immune response of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

“…While many suspects have been suggested as causes of these losses, no clear explanation has yet been found (vanEngelsdorp et al, 2008). However, many scientists believe that it is due to a combination of factors (Stankus, 2008).…”

Genotypic variability and relationships between mite infestation levels, mite damage, grooming intensity, and removal of Varroa destructor mites in selected strains of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

“…This mite has killed millions of colonies, causing the loss of billions of dollars in agricultural crops (Sanford, 2001). There is evidence that the varroa mite is one of the factors associated with the unprecedented loss of honey bee colonies recently experienced in parts of Europe and North America (Stankus, 2008;Guzman-Novoa et al, 2010;Le Conte et al, 2010).…”

A multiplex PCR assay to diagnose and quantify Nosema infections in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

“…With the increased concern about honey bee health, including colony collapse disorder, and the concerns that Nosema infections are contributing to their decline (Higes et al, 2008;Stankus, 2008), this method provides a new useful alternative for diagnosticians and apiculturists throughout the world.…”