Prevalence of Nosemosis and Varroosis in Honeybees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) in Bolu Region

Abstract

Bolu province has a potential to progress in beekeeping due to its rich flora and vegetation. However, the amount of honey production per beehive in the province of Bolu is 8-10 kg, which is below the average (14.4 kg) of Turkey. Honey bee diseases and parasites are among the most important factors that retard the development of beekeeping and limit production efficiency in Turkey. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the presence of varroosis and nosemosis in honey bee samples in different districts of Bolu. The presence of nosemosis and varroosis diseases in bee colonies in Bolu province are documented for the first time. Nosemosis was the most common disease. 190 of the 3030 examined bee samples were infected by Nosema spp. Average of the nosemosis infection was 6.3%. On the other hand, Varroa infestation was observed in the six of nine localities examined in Bolu province. 118 of the 3753 examined bee samples were infected by Varroa mites. Total infection ranged from 0.6 to 19.2%. This study has shown a prevailing higher percentage of infested with Varroa mites and Nosema spp. in Bolu region and revealed that the beekeepers in the Bolu region should be informed in detail about the precautions to be taken in the monitoring and controlling varroosis and nosemosis.