Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas

FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Departamento de Biología

Black Queen Cells

Author: Michael Crespo González

Objetive.

To describe Black Queen Cells infection, symptoms, consequences and treatment.

Outline

Introduction Characteristics of BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus) Symptoms Spread and infection Prevention and management

Introducción:The european bee (Apis mellifera), are insects included in Hymenoptera order. It has a large distribution and culture around the world in a very close relation with men who has developed modern techniques of reproduction and genetic improvements to ensure resistance to infectious agents and weather conditions. However many virus infections causes economic and biological damages.

Drone

Worker

Queen

BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus) Caused by a virus in the family Dicistroviridae which infect

many common insects like ants, flies and bees. The queen production industry is more probably affected, but it´s still found in non industrial production.

BQCV virus primarily attacks developing queens. The virus can still be found in workers and drones, but they do not appear to have any symptoms.

This virus is typically detected by PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, a common molecular technique that amplifies the genetic material of the virus.

BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus)

Queen larvae, when infected, will die and turn a pale yellow color. The larvae will then darken, turning from brown to black.

The remains can be seen at any point after cell capping.

Once the larvae are black, you may notice that the outside of the wax queen cells will have a black “oily” spot on them, indicating a dead larva inside.

Symptoms:Larvae turn pale yellow with tough skin at

first, in queen larvae only.

Larvae then darken from brown to black. At this stage the exterior of the cell wall will appear to be dark.

Black ring structure at the end of the queen cell.

If one queen cell appears symptomatic, the remaining cells in the same graft must be inspected for proper examination, usually at lab.

Spread and infection

BQCV is thought to be transmitted by nurse bees (cares larvae) when they feeds larvae with infected brood food.

The virus may remain viable in larval remains, honey or pollen for up to four weeks.

Honey bees drifting between hives, contaminated water and equipment can also spread BQCV.

Prevention and Management

Able to be controlled in most colonies with appropriate nutrition, young queen bees and the placement of hives in a warm and sunny position over the autumn, winter and spring periods. This will help keep colonies strong, remove extra stresses and also reduce the potential of other diseases infection. 

The beekeeper should maintain good apiary hygiene and be aware of the symptoms of BQCV.

If a beekeeper believes cell starters or nucleus hives are infected, they should not be used for raising queen bees, or sold or distributed. This will help stop the spread of infected queen bees to other hives and regions. 

Conclusions

Virus like BQCV are potentially infectious cause it´s way to propagation, direct action against the grow of the hive (by killing the queen larvae) and difficult diagnosis which requires a laboratory work.

Virus can be detected in workers and drones with no symptoms allowing desease to continue it´s spreading.

It is vital to maintain good apiary hygiene and periodic observation of the hives looking for symptoms of BQCV.

BibliographyMilito. M. 2011 Biologia delle api. Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio eToscana.http://www.arturosoria.com Las abejas: Vida en sociedad. Fecha de publicación: 20 de noviembre 2000Van. J. 2015 Prevención y control integrado de plagas y enfermedades. Centro de Investigaciones Apícolas Tropicales Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.Ericson. E. et al. 2009 A Scanning Microscope Atlas of the Honey Bee. Carl Hiden Bee Research Center.Verde. M. et al. 2013 Apicultura Salud y Producción Guía para el apicultor. Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria, Ministerio de la Agricultura.http://www.beeinformed.org BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus) Fecha de publicacion: 4 de diciembre 2013

Thank you

Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas

FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Departamento de Biología

Black Queen Cells

Author: Michael Crespo González