Characterization of the Causative Agent of Chalkobroood Disease of Honeybee Brood (Apls Melliferal.) in Ethiopia
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Chalkbrood disease is an invasive mycosis of honeybee larvae (Apis mellifera L) caused
by Ascosphaera apis (Maassen ex Claussen) Spiltoir and Olive (1955). The causative
agent of this disease occurs in most bee keeping countries of the world. This study aims
to characterize the causative agent of the disease and compares it with reference strain
(MUCL 34668). The mummies were surface disinfected and inoculated onto Sabouards
Dextrose Agar for macroscopic and microscopic identification. The local isolates were
also compared with the reference strain, assayed for proteolytic ability, toxicity, and
virulence on honeybee larvae in the laboratory and in the hive. Microbiological analysis
of 45 samples of dead honeybee larvae collected from the regions during 2004-2006
yielded 28 positive cases for chalkbrood disease incidence (62.22%). Spore cyst, spore
ball, and ascospores length to width ratios measured with phase contrast inverted
computer fitted microscope were 66.15 –97.66 m, 11.00 –19.27 m and 2.00-2.95 m,
respectively. The measurements obtained and examination results enabled us to confirm
that the local isolates belongs to the genus Ascosphaera and to the species Ascosphaera
apis.
Key words: Chalkbrood disease, Ascosphaera apis, spore cyst, spore ball, Ascospores,
Apis mellifera.
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Keywords
Chalk Brood Disease, Ascosphaera Apis, Spore Cyst, Spore Ball, Ascospores, Apis mellifera