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Théolier J, Dominguez S, Godefroy S. Lead exposure from honey: meta-analysis and risk assessment for the Arab region. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2024; 41:271-286. [PMID: 38270899 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2024.2306647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The Codex Alimentarius Commission has adopted a maximum level for lead in honey (0.1 mg/kg). Despite representing a population of more than half a billion, exposure and risk assessments for lead specific to the Arab region are lacking. The aim of this work was to collect analytical data for lead in honey available in Arab countries and to assess the risk caused by exposure to lead from these samples for local consumers. A regional mean lead concentration in honey, obtained through a meta-analysis of 57 studies, was used in deterministic risk assessments for adults (nephrotoxicity and cardiovascular effects) and young children (developmental neurotoxicity). A regional pooled mean concentration of 0.12 mg/kg [95%CI: 0.07-0.21] (0.13 mg/kg, if non-detects are considered at their highest possible value) was obtained. Margins of exposure of 363 [71-17182] and 865 [168-40909] were calculated for adults, and of 48 [9-2273] for children, indicating potential concern for the latter population subset. These values were produced using GEMS consumption data, and considering the same intake for both children and adults, potentially overestimating the risk for children. Nevertheless, food competent authorities should consider measures to reduce lead concentration in honey available for sale in the region to prevent trade constraints and to better protect vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Théolier
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), Québec, Canada
| | - Silvia Dominguez
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), Québec, Canada
| | - Samuel Godefroy
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), Québec, Canada
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Abuagla MIB, Iqbal J, Raweh HSA, Alqarni AS. Olfactory Learning Behavior and Mortality of the Honey Bee Apis mellifera jemenitica in Response to Pyrethroid Insecticide (Deltamethrin). TOXICS 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 38250981 PMCID: PMC10818679 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees are constantly threatened due to the wide use of pesticides. This study presents the effects of deltamethrin on the mortality, olfactory learning, and memory formation of the native Saudi bee Apis mellifera jemenitica. Topical and oral application of realistic field and serial dilutions of deltamethrin (250, 125, 62.5, and 25 ppm) caused significant mortality at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h posttreatment. Bee mortality increased with the increasing concentration of insecticide at all tested posttreatment times. Highest mortality was observed at 24 h and 48 h after both exposure routes. Food consumption gradually decreased with increasing concentration of deltamethrin during oral exposure. The LC50 of deltamethrin was determined at 12, 24, and 48 h for topical (86.28 ppm, 36.16 ppm, and 29.19 ppm, respectively) and oral (35.77 ppm, 32.53 ppm, and 30.78 ppm, respectively) exposure. Oral exposure led to significantly higher bee mortality than topical exposure of deltamethrin at 4 h and 12 h, but both exposure routes were equally toxic to bees at 24 h and 48 h. The sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC20, and LC30) of deltamethrin significantly impaired the learning during conditioning trials, as well as the memory formation of bees at 2, 12, and 24 h after topical and oral exposure. Thus, deltamethrin inhibits learning, and bees were unable to memorize the learned task.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abdulaziz S. Alqarni
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia (J.I.)
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Al-Ghamdi AA, Al-Sagheer NA. Plant Species as Potential Forage for Honey Bees in the Al-Baha Mountain Region in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1402. [PMID: 36987090 PMCID: PMC10058344 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of bee forages in the form of nectar, pollen, and propolis to beekeeping development depends on plant species diversity. The data concerning the increase in honey production in southwestern Saudi Arabia, which was unexpected with the deterioration of the vegetation cover, becomes a concrete background for this study, which planned to list the bee plant species contributing as sources of nectar, pollen, and propolis. The sampling method followed a purposive random sampling approach, and 20 × 20 m plots were considered with a total of 450 sample plots. Bee forage plants were identified based on flower morphology and honey bees' actions during floral visits at active foraging hours. A checklist of bee forages containing 268 plants species belonging to 62 families was documented. The number of pollen source plants (122) was more than nectar (92) and propolis (10) source plants. Regarding seasonal distribution, spring and winter were relatively good seasons for honey bees in terms of pollen, nectar, and propolis availability. Generally, this study is an essential step towards understanding, conserving, and rehabilitating plant species providing nectar, forage, and propolis to honey bees in Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A. Al-Ghamdi
- College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nageeb A. Al-Sagheer
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts in Qilwah, Albaha University (BU), Qilwah 65565, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), Dhamar 87148, Yemen
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Al-Khalaf AA. Modeling the potential distribution of the predator of honey bees, Palarus latifrons, in the Arabian deserts using Maxent and GIS. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5667-5673. [PMID: 34588878 PMCID: PMC8459062 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The species Palarus latifrons (bee pirates) has been recorded in Saudi Arabia as an invasive species. This pest can destroy honey bee colonies under certain conditions. The origin of this species in Africa and it has a good ability to adapt to desert conditions. Studies on this species are very few but its current distribution in the Arabian deserts is mainly in the Arabian Gulf countries. This study presents maps for the possible expansion of this species to invade other desert areas in the Arabian countries' under current and near-future conditions (2030). Methods This pest is a solitary insect with high activity during summer. It is hypothesized that summer conditions and especially temperature are the limiting factor for its distribution in the deserts. The analysis depended on generating maps based on temperatures during summer and based on two bioclimatic factors. Maxent and the geographical information system (GIS) were used to perform the analysis. Results and conclusions All maps showed the high ability of this pest to spread in the Gulf countries. In North Africa: south Egypt and Libya, and some parts of Algeria showed suitability for Palarus. The invasion of this pest towards North Africa can happen mostly due to trading activities with Gulf countries especially materials containing soil. Continues monitoring for the activity of Palarus in the risk areas is highly advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej A Al-Khalaf
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abou-Shaara HF, Al-Ghamdi AA, Khan KA, Al-Kahtani SN. Genetic network analysis between Apis mellifera subspecies based on mtDNA argues the purity of specimens from North Africa, the Levant and Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:2718-2725. [PMID: 34025158 PMCID: PMC8117108 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to analyze the genetic relationships between honey bee subspecies using reference specimens and recently collected specimens from different parts of the world. The purity of these specimens was discussed in light of the obtained results. Methods The genetic networks were constructed between 21 subspecies of honey bees, Apis mellifera L.: 9 in Africa, 7 in Europe and 5 in Asia. The analysis was performed using the mtDNA of these subspecies and the Population Analysis with Reticulate Trees software. Some subspecies were represented by more than two specimens based on the available online sequences. Results and conclusions The subspecies A. m. sahariensis from Africa showed unique characteristics and is genetically isolated than all other studied bee subspecies. Specimens collected from Saudi Arabia showed genetic relatedness to A. m. jemenitica, A. m. lamarckii, and some European subspecies, suggesting high degree of hybridization. The close genetic relationship between the Egyptian bees, A. m. lamarckii, and the Syrian bees, A. m. syriaca, were emphasized. The overall genetic network showed the presence of three distinct branches in relation to geographical locations. The high accurateness of the used analysis was confirmed by previous phylogenetic studies as well as the genetic relationships between hybrid bees of A. m. capensis and A. m. scutellata. The genetic networks showed the presence of bee subspecies from Africa in all branches including Europe and Asia. The study suggests the impurity of some specimens mostly due to the hybridization between subspecies. Specific recommendations for future conservation efforts of bees were presented in light of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam F Abou-Shaara
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22516, Egypt
| | - Ahmad A Al-Ghamdi
- Chair of Engineer Abdullah Ahmad Buqshan for Bee Research, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad N Al-Kahtani
- Arid Land Agriculture Department, College of Agricultural Sciences & Foods, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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In vitro antibacterial activity of honey against multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2020; 41:101257. [PMID: 33157353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The health benefits of honey as an oral therapeutic agent for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by Shigella sonnei depend on the ability of honey to withstand human gastrointestinal conditions. This study aimed to investigate whether honey could withstand and inhibit the growth of Shigella sonnei under such conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We initially evaluated the survival of Shigella sonnei in human simulated gastric conditions (SGC) and simulated intestinal conditions (SIC). This was followed by determination of the susceptibility of Shigella sonnei to Manuka and Talah honey under gastrointestinal conditions. The colony forming units (CFU) of Shigella sonnei and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of honey were calculated. RESULTS Shigella sonnei was unable to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach without food matrix and survived only when inoculated with a food source, resulting in 1.5 × 105 ± 0.2 CFU at 60 min and 1.7 × 105 ± 0.3 CFU after 120 min of incubation. In SIC, it survived both with and without food matrix at the same CFU (1.2 × 107 ±0.4) at 60 min and 1.7 × 107 ±0.2 CFU after 120 min of incubation. Growth of Shigella sonnei was not observed in SGC in the presence of either honey at different concentrations without a food source. In the presence of a food source, Manuka honey inhibited the growth of Shigella sonnei at 10% v/v and Talah honey at 20% v/v dilutions in SGC. In SIC, Manuka honey inhibited the growth of Shigella sonnei at 15% and 20% v/v dilutions, whereas Talah honey inhibited Shigella sonnei at 20% and 25% v/v dilutions without and with food sources, respectively. CONCLUSION Shigella sonnei can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach if inoculated with a food source. Acidic pH and pepsin had no deleterious effects on the antibacterial capability of honey. However, bile reduced the antibacterial activity of honey in the intestinal environment.
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Hussain MB, Kamel YM, Ullah Z, Jiman-Fatani AAM, Ahmad AS. In vitro evaluation of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility to Saudi honeys. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:185. [PMID: 31345195 PMCID: PMC6659206 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2603-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Honey has been increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of wound infections. There is an urgent need for assessment and evaluation of the antibacterial properties against wound pathogens of honeys that have not yet been tested. Methods Ten Saudi honeys collected from different geographical locations were screened initially for their antibacterial potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) by the agar well diffusion method. Manuka honey (UMF-12) was used for comparison. Of the tested honeys, the honey that exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity in the agar well diffusion assay was further evaluated for its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against ten MRSA clinical isolates and three American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) reference strains by the microbroth dilution method. Results Locally produced honeys exhibited variable antibacterial activity against the tested isolates in the agar well diffusion assay. They were unable to exhibit antibacterial activity against MSSA and MRSA at 25% dilutions (w/v) in catalase solution. However, Sumra and Talha honeys showed a zone of inhibition at 50% dilutions (w/v) in catalase solution. This finding means that both honeys possess weak non-peroxide-based antibacterial activity. Moreover, Sumra honey showed a larger inhibition zone at 50 and 25% dilutions (w/v) in distilled water than Manuka honey against both MSSA and MRSA. This result demonstrates that Sumra honey has more hydrogen peroxide-related antibacterial activity or total antibacterial activity than Manuka honey. In addition, MIC results obtained through a microbroth dilution assay showed that Sumra honey inhibited the growth of all MRSA clinical isolates (n = 10) and reference strains [MRSA (ATCC 43300) and MSSA (ATCC 29213)] at lower concentrations (12.0% v/v) than those required for Manuka honey-mediated inhibition (14.0% v/v). This result means that Sumra honey has more peroxide or synergistic antibacterial activity than Manuka honey. An equivalent MIC (15.0% v/v) was observed for E. coli (ATCC 25922) between Manuka honey and Sumra honey. Conclusions Sumra honey may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent for infected wounds and burns, where additional hydrogen peroxide-related antibacterial activity is needed. In the future, the physiochemical characteristics of Sumra honey may be evaluated and standardized.
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Singkum P, Suwanmanee S, Pumeesat P, Luplertlop N. A powerful in vivo alternative model in scientific research: Galleria mellonella. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2019; 66:31-55. [PMID: 30816806 DOI: 10.1556/030.66.2019.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Murine models are suggested as the gold standard for scientific research, but they have many limitations of ethical and logistical concern. Then, the alternative host models have been developed to use in many aspects especially in invertebrate animals. These models are selected for many areas of research including genetics, physiology, biochemistry, evolution, disease, neurobiology, and behavior. During the past decade, Galleria mellonella has been used for several medical and scientific researches focusing on human pathogens. This model commonly used their larvae stage due to their easy to use, non-essential special tools or special technique, inexpensive, short life span, and no specific ethical requirement. Moreover, their innate immune response close similarly to mammals, which correlate with murine immunity. In this review, not only the current knowledge of characteristics and immune response of G. mellonella, and the practical use of these larvae in medical mycology research have been presented, but also the better understanding of their limitations has been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantira Singkum
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - San Suwanmanee
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Potjaman Pumeesat
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- 2 Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Medical TechnologyBansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- 1 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ansari MJ, Al-Ghamdi A, Nuru A, Ahmed AM, Ayaad TH, Al-Qarni A, Alattal Y, Al-Waili N. Survey and molecular detection of Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of European Foulbrood in honeybees in Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 24:1327-1335. [PMID: 28855828 PMCID: PMC5562458 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A large-scale field survey was conducted to screen major Saudi Arabian beekeeping locations for infection by Melissococcus plutonius. M. plutonius is one of the major bacterial pathogens of honeybee broods and is the causative agent of European Foulbrood disease (EFB). Larvae from samples suspected of infection were collected from different apiaries and homogenized in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Bacteria were isolated on MYPGP agar medium. Two bacterial isolates, ksuMP7 and ksuMP9 (16S rRNA GenBank accession numbers, KX417565 and KX417566, respectively), were subjected to molecular identification using M. plutonius -specific primers, a BLAST sequence analysis revealed that the two isolates were M. plutonius with more than 98% sequence identity. The molecular detection of M. plutonius from honeybee is the first recorded incidence of this pathogen in Saudi Arabia. This study emphasizes the need for official authorities to take immediate steps toward treating and limiting the spread of this disease throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Al-Ghamdi
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adgaba Nuru
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Mohamed Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahany H Ayaad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Al-Qarni
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yehya Alattal
- Bee Research Chair, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, PO Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noori Al-Waili
- Institute for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital, USA
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Al-Ghamdi AA, Adgaba N, Herab AH, Ansari MJ. Comparative analysis of profitability of honey production using traditional and box hives. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 24:1075-1080. [PMID: 28663707 PMCID: PMC5478371 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the profitability and productivity of box hives is important to encourage beekeepers to adopt the technology. However, comparative analysis of profitability and productivity of box and traditional hives is not adequately available. The study was carried out on 182 beekeepers using cross sectional survey and employing a random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Cobb-Douglas (CD) production function and partial budgeting. The CD production function revealed that supplementary bee feeds, labor and medication were statistically significant for both box and traditional hives. Generally, labor for bee management, supplementary feeding, and medication led to productivity differences of approximately 42.83%, 7.52%, and 5.34%, respectively, between box and traditional hives. The study indicated that productivity of box hives were 72% higher than traditional hives. The average net incomes of beekeepers using box and traditional hives were 33,699.7 SR/annum and 16,461.4 SR/annum respectively. The incremental net benefit of box hives over traditional hives was nearly double. Our study results clearly showed the importance of adoption of box hives for better productivity of the beekeeping subsector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nuru Adgaba
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Herab
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad J Ansari
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agricultural Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Kwadha CA, Ong'amo GO, Ndegwa PN, Raina SK, Fombong AT. The Biology and Control of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella. INSECTS 2017; 8:E61. [PMID: 28598383 PMCID: PMC5492075 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus, is a ubiquitous pest of the honeybee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, and Apis cerana Fabricius. The greater wax moth larvae burrow into the edge of unsealed cells with pollen, bee brood, and honey through to the midrib of honeybee comb. Burrowing larvae leave behind masses of webs which causes galleriasis and later absconding of colonies. The damage caused by G. mellonella larvae is severe in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and is believed to be one of the contributing factors to the decline in both feral and wild honeybee populations. Previously, the pest was considered a nuisance in honeybee colonies, therefore, most studies have focused on the pest as a model for in vivo studies of toxicology and pathogenicity. It is currently widespread, especially in Africa, and the potential of transmitting honeybee viruses has raised legitimate concern, thus, there is need for more studies to find sustainable integrated management strategies. However, our knowledge of this pest is limited. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the biology, distribution, economic damage, and management options. In addition, we provide prospects that need consideration for better understanding and management of the pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Kwadha
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - George O Ong'amo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Paul N Ndegwa
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Suresh K Raina
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Ayuka T Fombong
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Al-Ghamdi AA, Adgaba N, Tadesse Y, Getachew A, Al-Maktary AA. Comparative study on the dynamics and performances of Apis mellifera jemenitica and imported hybrid honeybee colonies in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 24:1086-1093. [PMID: 28663709 PMCID: PMC5478372 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the seasonal population dynamics and evaluate the performance of Apis mellifera jemenitica (local bee) and introduced hybrid honeybee colonies in the lowlands and highlands of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Data regarding the performance and population dynamics parameters such as brood and adult bee population, amounts of stored pollen and nectar were gathered from the two races (25 colonies of each) for one year (April 2013 through March 2014), and statistically tested. The results indicated that at low lands, local bee colonies maintained relatively high brood and adult bee populations (P < 0.05) than introduced honeybee colonies and produced more (P < 0.05) honey. The local bee colonies were able to hoard three times more (P < 0.05) pollen and built more (P < 0.05) queen cells than introduced bees in both the low and highland areas. The annual survival rate of local bee colonies was almost double (P < 0.05) than that of introduced honeybee colonies. Moreover, local bees had greater (P < 0.05) adult bee and brood populations than imported, throughout the year. The relatively good performance of local colonies could be due to their long year’s adaptation to cope with resource scarcity and unpredictable environmental conditions of the regions. The possible reasons for the dwindling of the imported hybrid colonies could be due to continuing to exhibit adaptive characteristics of their original that might not fit well with the new environment.
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13
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Al-Ghamdi A, Adgaba N, Getachew A, Tadesse Y. New approach for determination of an optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity based on productivity and nectar secretion potential of bee forage species. Saudi J Biol Sci 2014; 23:92-100. [PMID: 26858544 PMCID: PMC4705286 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was carried out to determine an optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity of selected valleys dominated by Ziziphus spina-christi and Acacia tortilis in the Al-Baha region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted based on the assessment of the number of colonies kept, their productivities and the existing productive bee forage resources in the target valleys with its economic implication. In the existing beekeeping practice, the average number of managed honeybee colonies introduced per square kilometer was 530 and 317 during the flowering period of Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, respectively. Furthermore, the overall ratios of productive bee forage plants to the number of honeybee colonies introduced were 0.55 and 11.12 to Ziziphus trees and A. tortilis shrubs respectively. In the existing situation the average honey production potential of 5.21 and 0.34 kg was recorded per Ziziphus and A. tortilis plants per flowering season, respectively. The present study, revealed that the number of honeybee colonies introduced in relation to the existing bee forage potential was extremely overcrowding which is beyond the carrying capacity of bee forage resources in selected valleys and it has been observed to affect the productivities and subsequent profitability of beekeeping. The study infers that, by keeping the optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity of valleys (88 traditional hives/km(2) or 54 Langstroth hives/km(2) in Ziziphus field and 72 traditional hives/km(2) or 44 Langstroth hives/km(2) in A. tortilis field), profitability of beekeeping can be boosted up to 130.39% and 207.98% during Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, flowering seasons, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Ghamdi
- Chair of Engineer Abdullah Ahmad Baqshan for Bee Research, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nuru Adgaba
- Chair of Engineer Abdullah Ahmad Baqshan for Bee Research, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awraris Getachew
- Chair of Engineer Abdullah Ahmad Baqshan for Bee Research, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yilma Tadesse
- Chair of Engineer Abdullah Ahmad Baqshan for Bee Research, Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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