Evaluation of results in research made in order to obtain a phytotherapeutic product for the prophylaxis and fight against nosema in bees

Abstract

In order to obtain a natural apiphytotherapeutic formula with anti-parasite effect, as an alternative in the control of Nosema spp. infection, an original formula based on hydro-alcoholic extracts from plants and propolis was tested. Experiments were made on naturally infected adult bees from private apiaries diagnosed with nosemosis (Nosema apis/Nosema ceranae). Initially hydro-alcoholic extracts from plants in Romania’s flora and respectively from propolis (Apis mellifera), with sensorial, physical- chemical and microbiologic characteristics, in conformity with requirements in the European Pharmacopeia VIth Edition and Romanian Pharmacopeia Xth edition. Parasitosis was demonstrated through laboratory methods, respectively through direct microscopic examination, on bee samples collected from aviaries according to O.I.E. (World Organisation for Animal Health) methodology (2008). „In vitro“ lab testing of plant extracts and of work variants was done firstly on naturally infested polyfloral honey having an average concentration of 7 spores/ microscopic field of Nosema sp., with the purpose of selecting the most effective work variant which was afterwards tested „in vivo“ in private apiaries, on bee colonies. The results of the clinical study showed the absence of disease in 75% of the treated hives (33 hives), bees being declared clinically healthy. In 14 % of the hives (6 hives) infestation was weak, in 6.82% of the hives (3 hives) infestation was medium, and 4.55 % (2 hives) were diagnosed with a massive degree of infestation and the therapeutic protocol continued.