Chalkbrood & Nosema

1 . What is the causative agent for chalkbrood?

Fungus, Ascosphaera apis

2 . How can you prevent chalkbrood?

Chalkbrood is typically not a problem in the south since bees are not cramped into the hives for long periods of time over the winter months.

1. Do not place hives in cool, dark and wet environments

2. Provide upper hive ventilation

3. Replace brood combs systematically

3 . What is a common management mistake that contributes to chalkbrood disease?

When making splits or nucs, manipulating the brood so that there are too many brood for the nurse bees to keep warm

4 . Can bees from a hygienic queen detect and remove chalkbrood from the nest?

Yes

5 . Nosema is caused by?

Two types of microsporidian parasites, Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis

6 . How does nosema infection negatively impact a colony?

1. Reduced lifespan

2. Reduced output of brood food

3. Increased supersedure rates of queens

4. Sluggish spring build-up