Multiple stressors interact to impair the performance of bumblebee Bombus terrestris colonies.

摘要: 1. Bumblebees are constantly exposed to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses which they must defend themselves against survive. Pathogens pesticides represent important stressors that influence bumblebee health, both when acting alone or in combination. To better understand we need investigate how these factors interact, yet experimental studies date generally focus on only one two stressors. 2. The aim this study is evaluate combined effects four (the gut parasite Nosema ceranae, the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, pyrethroid cypermethrin, EBI‐fungicide tebuconazole) interact affect bumblebees at individual colony levels. 3. We established seven treatment groups colonies pulse different combinations for weeks under laboratory conditions. Colonies were subsequently placed field effect treatments prevalence N. ceranae inoculated bumblebees, expression levels immunity detoxification‐related genes, food collection, weight gain, worker male numbers, production brood reproductives. 4. Exposure pesticide mixtures reduced collection by bumblebees. All immunity‐related genes upregulated with had not been mixtures, fungicide less likely have ceranae. Combined exposure three‐pesticides mixture growth, all detrimental production. produced 40‐76% fewer queens than control colonies. 5. Our findings show frequently come into contact health performance could therefore an impact population level. These results also significant implications current practices policies risk assessment use as tested here applied simultaneously field. Understanding interactions between will be crucial improving our ability manage bee populations ensuring pollination services future.