EFFICACY OF TWO ALTERNATIVE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TO CONTROL NOSEMA DISEASE. FIRST MOLECULAR DETERMINATION OF NOSEMA IN ARGENTINA

BRAUNSTEIN, M.; SARLO, E. G.; MARTÍN P. PORRINI; MEDICI, S. K.

Buenos Aires

Congreso; 42° Congreso Internacional de Apicultura. APIMONDIA 2011. Buenos Aires. Argentina; 2011

CONSEJO EJECUTIVO DE APIMONDIA 2011

EFFICACY OF TWO ALTERNATIVE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TOCONTROL NOSEMA DISEASE. FIRST MOLECULARDETERMINATION OF NOSEMA IN ARGENTINABraunstein, M.1; Sarlo, E.G. 2; Porrini, M. 2; Medici S.21.Apícola Malka S.R.L., C.C. 11 – SUC. 6, B1900WCD La Plata, ARGENTINA,Tel. 54-9221-523-5520, e-mail: info@malkaqueens.com2. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, e-mail: meguaras@mdp.edu.arDiagonal J. B. Alberdi 2695 - (7600) - Mar del Plata - Tel.: 54 223 4921705 al 1710 / Fax 54223 4921711This research is the first attempt to identify different existing haplotypes of Nosema inArgentina. The second purpose of this research was to assess the chances of using newactive ingredients to control Nosema disease. Fumagillin has been the main antibiotic usedto control this unicellular parasitic fungi. Fumagillin first recorded use dates back to 1950.After 61 years, it is reasonable to assume that some strains of Nosema may have becomeresistant to its constant use. Queen rearing is a labour intensive activity where permanentmanipulations of frames and bees contribute to the spread of Nosema spores. Since year2005, the new haplotype of Nosema ceranae was found out of its original homeplace ofeastern Asia. Exporting queen bees to foreign countries is subject to many regulations andcertification procedures. It is essential to find ways to identify whether Nosema ceranae hasdisplaced Nosema apis, new and efficient control methods as well as the potential impact onsafe bee trade. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the prevailinghaplotypes, then the two active ingredients Thymol and Thymerosal were tried to find theiralternative efficacy and potential to be rotated with Fumagillin. Obtained results included theobtention of the Lethal Dose 50 for each active ingredient, as well as a novel approachaimed at improving the dosages and the preparation of the medications. 85 bee colonies ofa private queen rearing business were analyzed, in addition 76 other samples from 38different locations of Buenos Aires province were also analyzed. Nosema apis is almost nonexistentand has been almost totally replaced by Nosema ceranae. In only a few instancesthere are mixed infections of both. Thymerosal is a mercury salt used before the advent ofFumagilin, its use was widespread in central Europe until 1950. Current results indicate it isa very toxic and lethal compound that is not a valid alternative. However, thymol diluted inalcohol as well as supplied in patties displays a gradual efficacy to diminish nosemainfection in honeybee colonies.