Thursday 4 June 2009

CATCH THE BUZZ Nosema ceranae Sequenced

CATCH THE BUZZ

Bee-killing parasite genome sequenced




Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have sequenced the genome of a parasite that can kill honey bees. Nosema ceranae is one of many pathogens suspected of contributing to the current bee population decline, termed colony collapse disorder (CCD). Researchers describe the parasite's genome in a study published June 5 in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens.
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In 2006, CCD began devastating commercial beekeeping operations, with some beekeepers reporting losses of up to 90 percent, according to the USDA. Researchers believe CCD may be the result of a combination of pathogens, parasites and stress factors, but the cause remains elusive. At stake are honey bees that play a valuable part in a $15 billion industry of crop farming in the United States.
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The microsporidian Nosema is a fungus-related microbe that produces spores that bees consume when they forage. Infection spreads from their digestive tract to other tissues. Within weeks, colonies are either wiped out or lose much of their strength. Nosema apis was the leading cause of microsporidia infections among domestic bee colonies until recently when N. ceranae jumped from Asian honey bees to the European honey bees used commercially in the United States.
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The ARS scientists used genetic tools and microscopic analysis at the ARS Bee Research Laboratory (BRL) in Beltsville, Maryland to examine N. ceranae. They collaborated with colleagues at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, Columbia University, New York, New York, and 454 Life Sciences, of Branford, Connecticut.

Sequencing the genome should help scientists trace the parasite's migration patterns, determine how it became dominant, and help resolve the spread of infection by enabling the development of diagnostic tests and treatments.


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Central Beekeepers Alliance

Central Beekeepers Alliance
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SouthEast Beekeepers Meet June 12-13, 2009

Posted: 03 Jun 2009 11:20 AM PDT

Southeast New Brunswick Beekeepers' Association
Semi-Annual Meeting
Workshop/Field Day, Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th, 2009

FRIDAY, JUNE 12th, 2009

Ruth and George Wheatley's Apiary, 1848 Route 112, Upper Coverdale, NB
2:00-4:00 p.m.
• “A Honey Of An Opportunity” — Hive Savvy by local beekeepers to students interested in beekeeping as a future career
• “Learning By Doing” — Amy Tizzard, Oxford, NS

Department of Agriculture & Aquaculture Board Room, Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB
6:30 p.m.
• SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING — DAA and blueberry representatives will be present at this meeting. Registration fee is $20.00/beekeeper, spouses $10.00

SATURDAY, JUNE 13th, 2009

Salisbury Baptist Church, 3128 Main Street Salisbury, NB
10:00 a.m.
• COFFEE AND REGISTRATION
10:30 a.m.
• Agristability Program — Phil Parlee, DAA
• Nosema Research Update — Geoff Williams
• Fumigation of Equipment with Acetic Acid — Fletcher Colpitts
11:00 a.m.
• Queen Breeding — Lorraine and Elizabeth Hamilton
12:00 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK - PIZZA
1:00 p.m.
FIELD WORK
• Queen Breeding — Lorraine Hamilton
• Splits — Southeast Beekeepers

Sponsored By Bluets NB Blueberries

For more information, contact:
Ann Vautour
evangelinemiel@hotmail.com

Post from: Central Beekeepers Alliance