Honey bees (Apis mellifera) provide pollination services for many crops globally, but extreme weather and changing temperatures due to climate change may threaten the health of this species. Although we know that honey bee survival can decrease due to thermal stress, we know less about how thermal stress affects feral honey bees given that they are potentially adapted to higher temperatures in certain climates. Our research investigated the effect of extreme heat and cold on feral and managed honey bees in San Diego County, California. In this region, managed honey bees are pure European Apis mellifera, while the majority of feral honey bees are genetically admixed with Apis mellifera scutellata, from Africa, which are thought to be limited in their range by cold and to be more tolerant of heat. We measured individual survival between feral and managed honey bees after exposure to incubator heat shock or cold shock, critical thermal maxima and minima, and chill coma recovery time. Feral bees had higher survival compared to managed bees following heat shock or cold shock, but they did not differ with respect to CTmax, CTmin, or chill coma recovery time, suggesting that the effects of temperature upon survival require some time to manifest. Thus, the range of scutellata hybrids may not be constrained by individual survival following cold exposure but by colony-level effects or broader environmental effects linked with colder climates. These hybrids are, however, evidently better adapted to warmer conditions compared to pure European honey bees.

Bees provide crucial pollination services to both cultivated and wild plants. In recent decades there were large declines in the populations of several native bee species and in the health of managed honey bee colonies. Neonicotinoid pesticides were suspected to negatively impact the health of native and managed bees, although this topic was hotly contested. Unfortunately, we lacked the knowledge regarding the typical duration that bees were exposed to neonicotinoids. Therefore, I first quantified the dose, duration, and types of chemicals honey bee colonies were exposed to near agricultural corn fields (Chapter 2). I found that honey bee colonies were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals, out of which neonicotinoids were the most likely to pose a health risk. I also found that honey bees were exposed to neonicotinoids for up to four months the majority of the honey bees active season. I then performed a controlled experiment, where I exposed honey bee colonies to neonicotinoids in a manner that mimicked the field exposure (Chapter 2 and 3). I found that this field realistic exposure to neonicotinoids reduced worker life span, increased queenlessness, and impacted both social and innate immunity. Then, I studied the genetic underpinnings of neonicotinoid sensitivity in honey bees (Chapter 4). I found that survival after neonicotinoid exposure was heritable and was associated with natural polymorphisms found in two detoxification genes. Although survival after exposure is a convenient trait to study under laboratory conditions, it offers little insight into the plethora of phenotypes sublethal neonicotinoid exposure can affect. Thus, I used transcriptomics to look into the effects of field and field realistic exposures to neonicotinoids on the brain gene expression of forager and nurse honey bees (Chapter 5). I found that neonicotinoids affected the brain states of foragers and nurses in a different manner, possibly reflecting a consequence of developmental alterations. I then applied transcriptomics tools to a declining bumble bee, Bombus terricola (Chapter 6). I discovered that bumble bees near agriculture had signatures of stress due to pesticides and pathogens. Overall, I found that neonicotinoids and agricultural landscapes put undue stress on the health of bees. My research also highlights the importance of conducting season-long studies and quantifying multiple stressors and phenotypes at a time in ecotoxicological research.

California Friendly® is California's future. Water reliability is dependent on using water wisely. We need to create sustainable gardens that rely on less water. This maintenance guide will help you support California's future:*Uncover the secrets of efficient irrigation.*Explore the techniques for irrigating with recycled water.*Get the maintenance tips for hundreds of California Friendly® plants.*Discover the methods and means of managing weed and pest infestations.*Learn how to maintain rainwater capture opportunities.This book has been written for every landscaper, gardener and land manager in Southern California. It has been produced by the very first collaboration between three Southern California organizations, LADWP, MWD and SoCalGas. Grab a copy--they are free--use the information in your garden and help us create a beautiful, thriving and sustainable future.

21st Century Homestead: Beekeeping contains everything you need to stay up to date on beekeeping.

A stunning guide to growing, harvesting, and arranging gorgeous dahlia blooms from celebrated farmer-florist and New York Times bestselling author Erin Benzakein, founder of Floret Flower Farm. World-renowned flower farmer and floral designer Erin Benzakein reveals all the secrets to growing, cultivating, and arranging gorgeous dahlias. These coveted floral treasures come in a dazzling range of colors, sizes, and forms, with enough variety for virtually every garden space and personal preference, making them one of the most beloved flowers for arrangements. In these pages, readers will discover: • Expert advice for planting, harvesting, and arranging garden-fresh dahlias • A simple-to-follow overview of the dahlia classification system • An A–Z guide with photos and descriptions of more than 350 varieties • Step-by-step how-to's for designing show-stopping dahlia bouquets that elevate any occasion Expert Author: Erin Benzakein's gorgeous flowers are celebrated throughout the world. Her book Floret Farm's A Year in Flowers was a New York Times bestseller and her first book, Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden, won the American Horticultural Society Book Award. Filled with Wisdom: Overflowing with hundreds of lush photographs and invaluable advice, DISCOVERING DAHLIAS is an essential resource for gardeners and a must-have for anyone who loves flowers, including flower lovers, avid and novice gardeners, floral designers, florists, small farmers, stylists, and designers.