Wax Moth Infestation and its Management in Indian Honey bee, Apis cerana F. Colonies in Tamil Nadu
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Author:Mathialagan, M1, Johnson Thangaraj Edward, Y.S.2 and David, P.M.M3
Page No:1
DOI : https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ 2019.000282
Abstract
Wax moths, Galleria mellonella L. and Achroia grisella F. (Lepidoptera:
Galleriidae) are one of the causes of absconding in honey bees. We in 2016
– 2017 conducted a survey of wax moth infestation in Indian honey bees,
Apis cerana indica Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Tamil Nadu, in addition
to a management study in Coimbatore and Trichy. The results indicated that
all colonies in the surveyed districts had a wax moth infestation, more in the
non-swarming season. Keeping over the wooden bottom board a screened
bottom board sealed with a laminated white sheet in between the two boards
was found to be significantly more effective in reducing wax moth infestation
in A. cerana colonies. The need for wax moth monitoring and management
in A. cerana colonies is discussed.
Key words : Wax moths, Apis cerana, screened bottom board, Tamil Nadu.
