Detection of Apis mellifera DNA in spiked flowers under laboratory and natural conditions, Chesterton Indiana, 2023-2024

The data being released were part of a project funded by the Section 40804 Ecosystem Restoration of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (PL-117-58) in support of advancing a national revegetation effort. Data included are from a series of DNA degradation experiments targeting the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). This study sought to determine how various environmental conditions may affect eDNA left behind on flowers by bee visitation and thus the impact that may have on monitoring bees via eDNA. The experiments occurred in the laboratory and in the natural environment in 2022 and 2023 using store-bought potted or natural flowers spiked with Apis mellifera DNA. Flower samples were processed to elute DNA, DNA was extracted, and Apis mellifera quantified by qPCR. More information about the individual degradation experiments can be found in the Supplemental Information section.