The effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on the circadian clock and sleep of fruit flies and bumblebee
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Physiology and Pharmacology
Abstract
Over a third of global crops (84% European crops) are dependent on pollinators (predominantly bees) with a value of ~£120 billion. Food production has kept up with postwar increase in population through the extensive use of pesticides, with development of resistance becoming an increasing problem. The neonicotinoids represent 24% of the worldwide insecticide market valued at ~$1.5 billion/year, but their pervasive use is widely thought to be a major contributory factor towards the 50% decrease of bees since the 1970s. This has resulted in a two-year ban on the neonicotinoids allowing scientists to determine their safety, mechanism of action and compatibility with global food security.
One potential sub-lethal effect that has not been investigated is disruption to the circadian clock. The clock is vital for foraging and pollination. We aim to exploit the genetic tractability of Drosophila to determine the effects of neonicotinoids on the insect clock and sleep and attempt to determine the mechanism of action. We will also assess the effects on bumblebee foraging rhythmicity at both the individual and the colony level.
One potential sub-lethal effect that has not been investigated is disruption to the circadian clock. The clock is vital for foraging and pollination. We aim to exploit the genetic tractability of Drosophila to determine the effects of neonicotinoids on the insect clock and sleep and attempt to determine the mechanism of action. We will also assess the effects on bumblebee foraging rhythmicity at both the individual and the colony level.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| James Hodge (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Kiah Tasman (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M009122/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1653779 | Studentship | BB/M009122/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/11/2019 | Kiah Tasman |
| Title | Exhibition at Bristol Neuroscience Festival |
| Description | A local artist used my research to create an interactive exhibition about the body clock in bees and the potential effects of pesticides on them for adults and children to participate in at Bristol Neuroscience Festival. The artist then intended to take the interactive element on tour to display in other artistic venues. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Impact | The event has yet to occur but should increase understanding amongst local people of the potential impacts of pesticides and increase their awareness of the sort of research that occurs at the University. |
| Description | I have discovered that neonicotinoid pesticides have a significant effect on the body clocks and sleep of flies and bumblebees. In fruitflies, pesticides cause a reduction in circadian rhythms, a reduction in activity levels and a fragmentation and reduction in sleep. In bumblebees they appear to reduce daytime activity levels and disrupt the circadian clock. Insights into the mechanism of action were achieved in fruitflies. We discovered that the neonicotinoids reduce the plasticity and PDF accumulation of the pace maker cells and identified three nicotinic acetyl choline receptor subunits which appear to mediate the effects of neonicotinoids on sleep and circadian behaviour. |
| Exploitation Route | Potentially this could allow other researchers to use fruitflies as a model for exploring the effects of pesticides on pollinators, allowing pesticides to be screened rapidly. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Description | Our papers on the impacts of neonicotinoids on bumblebees were widely reported by the press, helping to spread awareness and public support for a continuation of the neonicotinoid ban in the UK. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Outreach workshops at various well attended festivals including Boom Town, Green Man, Secret Garden Party, Bristol Neuroscience Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | To engage the general public in our research, explain concepts such as model animals, GMO, land use change etc. to them. To encourage children to enter science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
| URL | https://spinelessscientist.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/a-hive-of-activity/ |