Effect of Fumagilin-B treatment timing on nosema (Vairimorpha spp.; Microspora: Nosematidae) abundance and honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies under winter management in the Canadian Prairies.

Fumagilin-B is used to treat nosema infection in honey bee colonies; however, it is unclear whether treatment consistently reduces Vairimorpha ceranae (Fries et al.) abundance and improves colony strength and survival in the Canadian Prairies. This study assessed spring and fall fumagillin treatments on nosema abundance, colony strength, and mortality in 2 different beekeeping regions within Alberta, using both indoor and outdoor wintering management at each site.

In Vivo Inhibitory Assessment of Potential Antifungal Agents on Proliferation in Honey Bees.

Nosema ceranae Fries, 1996, causes contagious fungal nosemosis disease in managed honey bees, Apis mellifera L. It is associated around the world with winter losses and colony collapse disorder. We used a laboratory in vivo screening assay to test curcumin, fenbendazole, nitrofurazone and ornidazole against N.

Miticidal activity of fenazaquin and fenpyroximate against Varroa destructor, an ectoparasite of Apis mellifera.

Background: The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is an ectoparasite that can affect the health of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and contributes to the loss of colony productivity. The limited availability of Varroacides with different modes of action in Canada has resulted in the development of chemical resistance in mite populations. Therefore, an urgent need to evaluate new potential miticides that are safe for bees and exhibit high efficacy against Varroa exists.

Epidemiology of Nosema spp. and the effect of indoor and outdoor wintering on honey bee colony population and survival in the Canadian Prairies.

The epidemiology of Nosema spp. in honey bees, Apis mellifera, may be affected by winter conditions as cold temperatures and differing wintering methods (indoor and outdoor) provide varying levels of temperature stress and defecation flight opportunities. Across the Canadian Prairies, including Alberta, the length and severity of winter vary among geographic locations.

New bioassay cage methodology for in vitro studies on Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera.

Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, is an ectoparasitic mite of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., that has been considered a major cause of colony losses. Synthetic miticides have been developed and registered to manage this ectoparasite, however, resistance to registered pyrethroid and organophosphate Varroacides have already been reported in Canada.

Evaluation of potential miticide toxicity to Varroa destructor and honey bees, Apis mellifera, under laboratory conditions.

The honey bee, Apis mellifera L., is the world's most important managed pollinator of agricultural crops, however, Varroa mite, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, infestation has threatened honey bee survivorship. Low efficacy and development of Varroa mite resistance to currently used Varroacides has increased the demand for innovative, effective treatment tool options that exhibit high efficacy, while minimizing adverse effects on honey bee fitness.

Higher prevalence and levels of Nosema ceranae than Nosema apis infections in Canadian honey bee colonies.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and infection levels of the microsporidia fungi Nosema apis and/or Nosema ceranae in honey bee colonies of two Canadian provinces. Three surveys were conducted in the springs of 2008, 2010 and 2012 and PCR identification of Nosema species were performed in samples from 169 and 181 Ontario colonies and from 76 Alberta colonies that tested positive to Nosema spp. Infection levels of positive colonies were determined by microscopy and analyzed by Nosema spp.