Abstract

ALVAREZ-RAMIREZ, Alejandro et al. Influence of the weather conditions on the ascospherosis (Ascosphaera apis) or chalkbrood on the Apis mellifera (bee). Abanico vet [online]. 2017, vol.7, n.3, pp.37-46. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2017.73.4.

Chalkbrood is a fungal disease that it is present worldwide in the apiculture, which has an important effect in the larval stage of the bee, reducing this way the honey production. Being The Ascosphaera apis (A. apis) the etiology agent in association with certain weather factors. Nevertheless, no study has been done with bees produced in Los Altos de Jalisco weather climate. Bee hives were monitored for the disease presentation during the months July to October, temperature and humidity were recorded and data were statistically analyzed. Hives monitored presented 67.14% of A. apis attack during the trial, and tended quadratically to be reduced (P < 0.05) as the temperature lowers. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.78; P < 0.05) was observed among A. apis presence and weather temperature where hives were placed. Chalkbrood disease presentation was inverse to the humidity (R2 = -0.431; P = 0.050). In conclusion, the mycosis can be observed mainly when weather conditions are ideal for its growth.

Keywords : chalkbrood; bee; production.