Fumagillin Affects Nosema apis and Honey Bees (Hymonopterai Apidae)

Abstract

Two formulations of bicyclohexy lammonium fumagillin, Fumagilin Band Fumidil B, were equally effective treatments for Nosema apis Zander infecting honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Caged worker bees consumed either formulation in sucrose syrup as readily as syrup without fumagillin. Either formulation suppressed infection when fed with Nosema spores to caged workers for 7 d or when fed to workers for 3 d after they had consumed spores without fumagillin for 4 d. When consumed in sucrose syrup by bee colonies, neither fumagillin formulation significantly affected queen survival. More uncapped brood was reared by the colonies consuming fumagillin than those consuming syrup without fumagillin. Capped brood and total brood rearing was similar for colonies consuming fumagillin or syrup without fumagillin. Fumagilin B is more soluble in sucrose solution than Fumidil B, but both are easily prepared at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved level of 26 mg/liter in sucrose solution.