Infestation level and ecological association of Nosema spp. (Microsporida: Nosematidae) and Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in honeybee colonies in south-west Nigeria

Authors

  • Kamilu Ayo Fasasi Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
  • Mr Applied Entomology and Pest Management Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
  • Mr Parasitology and Vector Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
  • Miss Parasitology and Vector Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, P.M.B. 4494, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/analesbio.47.05
Keywords: Apis mellifera adansonii, Infestation rate, Level of parasitic association and Severity, Nosema spp., Varroa destructor

Abstract

The level of infestation and ecological association of Nosema spp. and Varroa destructor was studied in honeybees. The infestation rate (Mn±SD) of V. destructor ranged from 1.05 ± 0.64% to 9.02 ± 4.98%. The prevalence of Nosema spp. in Osun State was found to range from low to semi-severe, while in Ogun state, infestation leves varies from moderate to severe. However, in both states severe infestation of spores was observed. A linear negative correlation (r = -0.329) was revealed between the V. destructor and Nosema spp. in honeybees colonies. In general, all the colonies exhibited moderate to severe infection by Nosema spp. spores and 93% of the colonies had V. destructor, which necessitates urgent mitigation measures.

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Published
31-07-2025
How to Cite
Fasasi, K. A., SALAMI, S. O., AZEEZ, D. I., & IWALEWA, Z. O. (2025). Infestation level and ecological association of Nosema spp. (Microsporida: Nosematidae) and Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in honeybee colonies in south-west Nigeria. Anales De Biología, (47), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesbio.47.05
Issue
No. 47 (2025)
Section
Articles

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