Contact with fipronil affects pollination-associated gene expression in honey bees

This study investigated the effects of acute exposure to the insecticide fipronil on the gene expression of foraging honeybees, given their crucial role in crop pollination and vulnerability in insecticide-contaminated environments. Foragers were exposed to 2 μL of water containing either a lethal dose (LD50 = 0.009 μg/bee) or a sublethal dose (LD50/100 = 0.0009 μg/bee) of fipronil for one or four hours. The transcriptome of brain tissue was subsequently analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were classified into functional categories using Gene Ontology. Results revealed significant alterations in gene expression, with DEGs associated with immune response and xenobiotic metabolism, as well as genes linked to visual perception, muscle function, and odor detection. These molecular changes suggest that fipronil compromises bees' foraging and flight abilities, potentially reducing their efficiency in resource collection and plant pollination. Therefore, limiting the use of fipronil or adopting less harmful pest control alternatives is essential to safeguard pollination services provided by honeybees in agricultural systems.