Researchers looking
into the bee fungal disease chalkbrood say bees that are more hygienic have a
better chance of warding off the disease.
Chalkbrood affects
bee colonies by fungus weakening larvae, and can lead to them being mummified
by sealing the larvae into their own beehive cells.
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It affects most
areas of bee production across Australia, and has increased in prevalence over
the past five years.
LaTrobe University
PhD candidate Jody Gerdts has just received funding to conduct research into
trying to determine if there are different strains of chalkbrood, then will
breed for 'hygienic' behaviour.
Ms Gerdts said
total bee production had dropped by 20-40% in hives affected by chalkbrood.
"There's no
chemicals that are registered or effective to treat chalkbrood," she said.
"Bees that are
hygienic basically can smell really well. And they can detect dead or diseased
larvae and pull it out of the colony before it becomes contagious.
"So this hygienic
trait, it's heritable, we can breed for it, it's in Australia, and it's proven
very effective in other parts of the world in reducing chalkbrood in colonies.
"Honeybees
really thrive in our modern agricultural system. We can move them to pollination
events when they need to be there.
"Bees are
really important to our fruit and vegetable crops, so we need to minimise the
effect of chalkbrood."
Informa: Jaume Clotet @apimellis
Foto: Jeff Pettis
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