Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities (EJPAU) founded by all Polish Agriculture Universities presents original papers and review articles relevant to all aspects of agricultural sciences. It is target for persons working both in science and industry,regulatory agencies or teaching in agricultural sector. Covered by IFIS Publishing (Food Science and Technology Abstracts), ELSEVIER Science - Food Science and Technology Program, CAS USA (Chemical Abstracts), CABI Publishing UK and ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publisher - full membership). Presented in the Master List of Thomson ISI.

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Chorbiński P. 2004. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFECTION OF APIS MELLIFERA LARVAE BY ASCOSPHAERA APIS, EJPAU 7(2), #03.
Available Online: http://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume7/issue2/veterinary/abs-03.html

ABSTRACT

The fungus Ascosphaera apis (Plectomycetes, Ascosphaeraceae) (Maassen ex Claussen), is the causative agent of chalkbrood disease in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). By using the histological studies, the process of infection of honey bee brood by the Ascosphaera apis was observed, by feeding 3rd instar larvae with a dose of 5 x 10⁵ ascospores in 5 µl of 35% (w/v) sucrose solution. The spores were seen in the midgut lumen. The young hyphae penetrated the peritophic membranes, epithelial cells and basal membrane. After 3 days, the hyphae grew in haemocoel, the fat body and other larval tissues. During the following 2 days, the hyphae penetrated the integument and grew aerially. The first spore cysts were observed on 6th day after the penetrating of the integument of infected larvae. The hyphae of Ascosphaera apis was not observed inside the trachea.

Key words: Ascosphaera apis, honeybee, brood cells, infection, histology.

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