Studies of Parasites on the Immune System of Honeybees <i>Apis spp</i> in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mites continue to be considered the most devastating parasites of honeybee colonies. Atotal of 40 beehives were selected for examination of parasite infestations in four locations (Panda, Uchu, Tattara and Angwanwayo) of Karu L.G.A of Nasarawa State, Nigeria,  from September 2018 to March 2019. Parasite isolation was carried out using the powdered sugar (Shake) method and the haemocyte  cell quantification by using the haemocytometer where all haemocytes were counted under a light microscope. Analysis of Variance  (ANOVA) (Post hoc test) was used for statistical analysis. The p-value >0.05 in the first collection, showed no significant difference  between the hives locations, while the p-value <0.05 in the second collection, showed that there was a significant difference in the hives  locations. For Haemocytes cells quantification, the p-value <0.05, indicates that there was a significant difference in the mean values of  the hives locations. The results recorded parasite infestations in 33% of honeybees. Training and effective bee management against  parasite infestation is required for successful bee farming.