Vpliv spor noseme in virusov na razvoj in dolgoživost kranjske čebele, Apis mellifera carnica (Slovene)

Studies performed with using laboratory techniques for rearing caged bees and brood development in the incubator were important for further research in inoculation of infective material and viruses. This is a model to demonstrate changes on cellular and tissue level and to acquire infection of honeybees with Nosema spores and bee virus (CBPV) and to study the effects of spores on individual worker. We have performed RT-PCR in real time to quantify the virus load in inoculated bees. Localization of cell death in tissues was explored to understand the sublethal effects in bees. Research also contributed in explanation of the nature of colony mortalities. Immunohistological and molecular methods used in our experiments were used in order to identify new scientific findings, and will be applicable in sciences in the beekeeping field in our Laboratory.

The studies are important in order to establish potential synergistic external effects influencing honeybee health and in this part will contribute to understanding the potential mechanisms of colony mortality. The effect of synergistic infections is a novel and very demanding research field using a combination of molecular, cell biology methods and experiments in Lab. rearing adult bees and brood and also in honeybee colonies. We will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of individual bee mortality and their influence or colony weakening and colonies mortality. The results will be used also for further extension of beekeeping activities in order to prevent colony decline in the country. Research results will have large social and economical benefits since it will help us reduce the colony losses and improve the quality of the honeybees in Slovenia.