Combined effects of pesticide exposure and other stressors on solitary bees

The overall aim of this project is to understand how different stressors interact with one another to affect bee health and reproductive output. We will conduct a series of laboratory and field experiments in which solitary bees will be exposed to pesticides, alone and in combination with other stress factors: global warming, nutritional stress and parasite pressure. We will evaluate whether the combination of pesticide exposure and the other stressors result in additive or synergistic effects. These experiments will generate a wealth of individuals exposed to various stressors and combinations of stressors. This will provide a unique opportunity to identify molecular biomarkers associated with various stressors in solitary bees.