Exploring Novel Yeast Associations in Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are important ecosystem engineers that have the ability to dramatically change landscapes and improve food production and yields by pollination. Unfortunately, some species are experiencing dramatic declines in parts of their range. Current research suggests that a combination of stressors are likely acting upon the bees at once. These stressors include: pesticide use, climate change, competition for resources, habitat loss, and pathogens. Researchers are beginning to explore how these stressors are impacting bee gut microbiota, or the bacterial and fungal communities that reside in their guts. With the advancement of genetic tools, we are able to explore new aspects of bumble bee health that may offer additional insights to help tease apart these relationships.

I will be sharing a chapter of my PhD thesis that explores explores a novel yeast association in at-risk bumble bees. I will give an overview of my research and collaborative efforts that explore community dynamics and immune system responses that use classic culturing methods combined with next-generation sequencing tools and quantitative PCR, which helps to address how bumble bees are able to respond to yeast associations.

• College Avenue Campus CB 112
• Presenter: Kirsten Palmier