Use of Thymol in <i>Nosema ceranae</i> Control and Health Improvement of Infected Honey Bees

oleh: Uros Glavinic, Jovan Blagojevic, Marko Ristanic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Nada Lakic, Milorad Mirilovic, Zoran Stanimirovic

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-06-01

Deskripsi

<i>Nosema ceranae</i> is the most widespread microsporidian species which infects the honey bees of <i>Apis mellifera</i> by causing the weakening of their colonies and a decline in their productive and reproductive capacities. The only registered product for its control is the antibiotic fumagillin; however, in the European Union, there is no formulation registered for use in beekeeping. Thymol (3-hydroxy-p-cymene) is a natural essential-oil ingredient derived from <i>Thymus vulgaris</i>, which has been used in <i>Varroa</i> control for decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thymol supplementation on the expression of immune-related genes and the parameters of oxidative stress and bee survival, as well as spore loads in bees infected with the microsporidian parasite <i>N. ceranae</i>. The results reveal mostly positive effects of thymol on health (increasing levels of immune-related genes and values of oxidative stress parameters, and decreasing <i>Nosema</i> spore loads) when applied to <i>Nosema</i>-infected bees. Moreover, supplementation with thymol did not induce negative effects in <i>Nosema-</i>infected bees. However, our results indicate that in <i>Nosema</i>-free bees, thymol itself could cause certain disorders (affecting bee survival, decreasing oxidative capacity, and downregulation of some immune-related gene expressions), showing that one should be careful with preventive, uncontrolled, and excessive use of thymol. Thus, further research is needed to reveal the effect of this phytogenic supplement on the immunity of uninfected bees.