Changes in the bioelement content of summer and winter western honeybees (Apis mellifera) induced by Nosema ceranae infection.

ABSTRACT: Proper bioelement content is crucial for the health and wellness of all organisms, including honeybees. However, the situation is more complicated in these important pollinators due to the fact that they change their physiology during winter in order to survive the relatively harsh climatic conditions. Additionally, honeybees are susceptible to many diseases such as nosemosis, which during winter can depopulate an entire colony. Here we show that summer bees have a markedly higher content of important bioelements such as: Al, Cu, P, V, (physiologically essential); Ca, K, Mg, (electrolytic); Cr, Se, Zn, (enzymatic); As, Hg, (toxic). In contrast, a markedly higher content of: Fe (physiologically essential); Mn, Ni, (enzymatic); Cd (exclusively toxic) were present in winter bees. Importantly,

SUBMITTER: Ptaszynska AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060561 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature