Worldwide, the ecto-parasitic mite Varroa destructor has been assigned as an important driver of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses. Unlike the subspecies of European origin, the honey bees in some African countries such as Uganda and Ethiopia may not be as threatened or suffer less from mite-infestations. However, only little is known about the factors or traits that enable them to co-exist with the mite without beekeepers’ intervention. Hence, this study was designed to investigate these factors or traits that limit the Varroa mite population in Ethiopian honey bees (Apis mellifera simensis). The study was conducted in the primary honey producing region of Ethiopia, i.e. Tigray. Mite infestation levels were shown to be lower in traditional hives (when compared to framed hives) and when colonies were started up from swarm catching (when compared to colony splitting). However, the influence of the comb cell size on mite infestation was not observed. With respect to the bee biology, the hygienic behavior was shown to be high (pin-test: 92.2% removal in 24 hours) and was negatively correlated with phoretic mite counts (Pearson; r = -0.79; P < 0.01) and mite infestation levels in brood (Pearson; r = -0.46; P < 0.001). Efforts to estimate the Varroa mite reproductive capacity were seriously hampered by an extremely low brood infestation level. From the 133 founder mites found (in 6727 capped brood cells) only 18.80% were capable of producing a reproductive progeny. Failure to produce adult male progeny was unexpectedly high (79.70%). We have suggested a few adaptations to the test protocols allowing to estimate the protective traits of honey bee colonies under very low Varroa pressure. Apart from that, this study demonstrates that the honey bees from Ethiopia are suitable targets to further decipher the genetic predisposition of resistance against V. destructor. It is still unclear to what extent simensis differs from the more common scutellata subspecies.
Metagenomics studies have accelerated the discovery of novel or divergent viruses of the honey bee. However, most of these studies predominantly focused on RNA viruses, and many suffer from the relatively low abundance of viral nucleic acids in the samples (i.e., compared to that of the host). Here, we explored the virome of the Ethiopian honey bee, Apis mellifera simensis, using an unbiased metagenomic approach in which the next-generation sequencing step was preceded by an enrichment protocol for viral particles. Our study revealed five well-known bee viruses and 25 atypical virus species, most of which have never been found in A. mellifera before. The viruses belong to Iflaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Secoviridae, Partitiviridae, Parvoviridae, Potyviridae, and taxonomically unclassified families. Fifteen of these atypical viruses were most likely plant-specific, and the remaining ten were presumed to be insect-specific. Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) was found in one sampling site out of 10. Two samples contained high read counts of a virus similar to Diatraea saccharales densovirus (DsDNV), which is a virus that causes high mortality in the sugarcane borer. AmFV and the DsDNV-like virus were the only DNA viruses found. Three viruses that primarily infect Drosophila spp. were also discovered: La Jolla virus (LJV), Kilifi virus (KiV), and Thika virus. Our study suggests that phoretic varroa mites are involved in the transmission of LJV and KiV and that both viruses replicate in mites and adult bees. We also found an overwhelming dominance of the deformed wing virus type B variant, which fits well with the apparently harmless infestation by Varroa destructor. It was suggested that Ethiopian bees have developed tolerance against virus infections as the result of natural selection.
: Beekeeping serves as a source of additional cash income for hundreds of thousands of farmer beekeepers in the country and plays a significant role in conserving the natural resources and contributes to
The study was conducted to assess beekeeping practices, seasonal colony management gaps in eastern, southeast and central zones of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. About 384 beekeepers were interviewed. The trend of honeybee colonies indicated an increase in the last five years but with variables (72%) in honey production. Majority (77.3%) of beekeepers inspected their apiary and honeybee colonies externally and only 21.7% did such inspection inside the hive. The most common locally available supplement feed included sugar syrup (94.6%), Shiro (peas and beans flour) (89.1%), tihni (barley flour) (87.6%), maize flour (25.5%), honey (14.4%) and fafa (supplementary food for infants) (7.9%). Major colony management gaps observed entailed adding super by guessing (47.9%), reluctance to decreasing super (35.5%), continued use of foundation sheets (40.4%) and queen excluder not removed (37.9%). The frequency of colonization was significantly different (p<0.05) in frame beehives but not in traditional hives. The seasonal colony activities included brood rearing in July to September; reproductive colony swarming, August to September; absconding, March to June; dearth periods, January to May; high availability of honeybee plants, July to December; and honey harvesting period, September to November. Therefore, seasonal colony management practices followed by floral cycle should be practiced by empowering beekeepers with skill in modern beekeeping management in order to improve their seasonal bee management practices, thus increasing honey production.
The loss of bee colonies in recent years is a global phenomenon and Ethiopia is not exceptional. No single cause has been identified for the lose interactions of biotic and abiotic factors are speculated for the global bee colony decline. Following global warming and human population fast growth, natural forests which are used to be habitat and sources bee feed has been destroyed at fast rate. Also the contribution of bee pests and diseases is thought considerable for bee colony diminishing. Recently (2010), globally identify as causing bee colony dames bee mite varroa destructor has been reported in most beekeeping regions of Ethiopia. However, the effects of mite on bee colonies and their products, the mite strain type and its seasonal dynamics under local incident remain uncertain. Therefore, controlled experiment has been designed to unveil the basic questions with regards to the nature and the effects of the parasite under local conditions. Ten bee colonies were set up at Bako area which is 250 km west of Addis Ababa. Data collections were done for three years on monthly basis and collections of information were done on the parameters like the number of varroa mites on adults and brood bees and brood, pollen and nectar areas. Besides, morpho-size of the collected varroa mites were measured and compared with the morpho-sizes varroa mites collected from different localities. The study investigated negative correlation (P <-0. 0.513) between the number of mite and number of adult bees as well as brood, pollen and nectar areas. However, the number of mites on adult and brood bees as well as the mite's pessimistic effect varied between the colonies and the seasons. Based on morpho-size measurement, the mites were grouped into five mopho-clusters, but generally confirming all the strains belong to varroa destructor type. In spite of the presence of the parasitic varroa mite in all the bee colonies year round, all the colonies appeared to be healthy. The result from this study has enlightened local understanding on the seasonal dynamics, effects and species of varroa mite. However, further study that entails investigations on biological/ behavior of both the parasite and the host is suggested to avail better understanding on how local bees were not affected following the number of parasailing varroa mite.
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