Molecular Identification of Microbial Pathogens in Honey Bees from Amasya

Abstract

Honey bees, Apis mellifera are highly beneficial insects that constitute both the livelihood of the producers and the food source of the consumers. However, there are some diseases that affect the yield of bees and cause the collapse of almost the entire colony. Most of these diseases are caused by microbial pathogens originating from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood both in the center of Amasya and in almost all its districts. In this study, microbial pathogens that cause mass bee deaths and epidemics in Amasya province were determined using molecular methods. The results showed that the most common honey bee pathogens in Amasya are the Deformed wing virus, Chronic bee paralysis virus, and Aspergillus flavus fungus. Thus, the profile of bee diseases in Amasya province was determined for the first time with this study. In addition, this study guides other studies planned for the prevention of bee diseases and healthy beekeeping. © 2023 The Author(s).