Presence, distribution and characterization pathogens of nosemosis (nosematosis) disease in honeybees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) colonies in the Black Sea region, Turkey

The prevalence and geographical distribution of the two disease factors and climatic factors that effect nosemosis (nosematosis) in Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey have been investigated in this thesis.Samples were collected from beekeepers from 20 localities in Artvin, Rize, Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Gümüşhane and Bayburt between April to September. Total of 5893 dead adult bees (5330 worker bees, 559 male bees and 4 queen bees) were dissected during the study. Infection was observed only in worker bees. Total infection rate in worker bees was 20.59%. Infection rate in worker bees were 4.72%, 15.28% and 21.23% in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Nosema ceranae was identified as the only factor in all localities with molecular techniques. N. ceranae spore sizes measured 4.89 ± 0.43 (7.42 ? 3.19) (n= 100) µm height and 2.82 ± 0.28 (4.08 ? 1.52) (n=100) µm weight. Infection was observed in gut and hemocoel of the host. Vegetative life stages of N. ceranae were also determined by light microscopy. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the polar filament has 20-27 (commonly 23) (n=10) coils. The spore has two closely associated nuclei. Temperature and humidity values were measured from around the beehives during field studies. The infection rate of N. ceranae increased proportionally with increasing temperature and humidity factors. Humidity was more effective than temperature on the infection rate of N. ceranae. The seasonal activity of N. ceranae was studied. The highest infection rates were observed in June and July. N. ceranae infection rate was higher in localities having low-altitude.