FINE-SCALE DYNAMICS OF HONEYBEE GUT MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AFTER PERTURBATION

The proposed research will investigate the effects of chemically induced perturbation on the native gut microbiota of honeybee. These perturbations can have negative impacts on bee health, for example increased susceptibility to pathogen infection. I will determine the effects of antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides on the native gut microbial community structure, and will evaluate whether recovery of the microbiota can be achieved after perturbation. Furthermore, it will address how disruption of the healthy community affects susceptibility to invasion by non-resident species, particularly opportunistic pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first study to look at the effects of antibiotics, pesticides, and herbicides on the native honeybee gut microbial community structure.The long-term goal of this proposal is to understand the effects of perturbation on host- associated microbial communities. The honeybee, an agriculturally and economically important pollinator, will be used as a model system to address the following supporting objectives:Identify the impact of perturbation on the population dynamics of the gut microbiomeDetermine the ability of gut microbial community to recover after perturbationDetermine how perturbation of the gut microbiome promotes invasion by opportunistic pathogens.Findings of this project will provide insights into the importance of resident gut microbes for honeybee health.