Effect of probiotic supplement on the disease management and brood development of the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Studies were carried out at the Bee garden, Department of Plant Protection, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli district to investigate the effect of probiotic supplement for the management of diseases on honey bees. The European Foul Brood (EFB) affected cells per 100 cm2 brood area showed a significant difference among the colonies that received treatment (0.07±0.03 / 100 cm2 brood area) and in control (0.45±0.10 / 100 cm2 brood area). The Thai Sac Brood (TSB) affected cells per 100 cm2 brood area also showed significant difference among the colonies that received treatment (0.05±0.02 / 100 cm2 brood area) and in control (0.59±0.18 / 100 cm2 brood area). There were a decreased incidence of disease in the probiotic fed colonies (treated) than the probiotic non-fed colonies (control). The probiotic feed also resulted in a significant colony development as evidenced by increased brood comb area in probiotic fed colonies (treated) than probiotic non-fed colonies (control).