Abstract
The study implicated the possible inhibition effects of different concentrations of Alha... more Abstract The study implicated the possible inhibition effects of different concentrations of Alhanoon honey on some species of Gram positive, and Gram negative as well as human pathogenic and plant pathogenic bacteria (A. Tumefaciens, P. Savastanoi, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, staph. aures and E. coli).The results showed that, Alhanoon honey had obvious inhibition effect at the two concentrations of 100%, 75%, on all studied bacteria . where the averages of the zones at the concentrations of 100% for bacteria(P. aeruginosa, A. Tumefaciens , Staph.aureus, B. subtilis and E. coli were (22, 16, 17, 12, 10 mm) respectively, and at concentration of 75% were (17, 9, 9, 10 and 2 mm) respectively with exception of bacteria P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis, which both showed resistance at the concentration 75%. However, at the two concentrations 25% and 50% on inhibition was observed on the studied species, except the bacteria Staph. Aureus which showed sensitivity to the Alhanoon honey at concentration 50%, with appearance of some resistant colonies in inhibition zone.
Ecto-parasite, varroa mite, (Varroa destructor), is the primary pest affecting the apiculture sec... more Ecto-parasite, varroa mite, (Varroa destructor), is the primary pest affecting the apiculture sector globally in various regions. Aim: This study examined the toxicity of nine essential oils to Apis mellifera L. and the acaricidal impact of those oils against V. destructor. Methods: The acaricidal effects of nine essential oils, extracted from plant materials were used. In the screening experiment, 10 mg of the active ingredients of the plant material extracts were prepared in an alcohol solution with concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. For each type of plant extract, five female V. destructor were transferred to a Petri dish with five worker bees incubated at 70% humidity and 33℃-34℃ for 2 days, for each treatment four replicates were used compared to the control. Forty-eight hours following treatment, the number of dead and live mites was counted to determine the mortality rate. In the second assay experiment, the best five essential oils of the previous experiment were selected to reassess their effectiveness on varroa mites and honeybee workers by using a concentration of 15%. Five females of V. destructor were transferred to a Petri dish with 10 adult bees and treated with the solution of the selected oils. Five replicates and control treatments were taken for each sample simultaneously. Dead and live bees were counted for each replicate at 48 hours after treatment. Results: There were no significant differences between the concentrations used of each oil on the rate of death of mites, and its effectiveness ranged between 70.0% and 53.3% compared to the control groups. In addition, the best oil used was bitter melon, with a death rate of 80% at a concentration of 15%, while peppermint oil showed the lowest death rate of 45% at a concentration of (5%). However, all these treatments were statistically highly significant compared with the natural death rate in control (2%). In the second test, the results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were highly significant differences (P 0.05 <0.0001) in the average numbers of dead varroa mites compared to the control when using a 15% concentration of five selected oils. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in the honey bee workers' mortality rate between the treatment and control groups (P 0.05 <0.3390), and it was relatively low for all treatments except the basil oil, where the bee mortality rate was 16% compared to the control (10%). Conclusion: It is clear from this experiment that bitter melon oil can be used to control varroa mites and it can be considered safe for honey bees as well as for the environment.
The Kufra bee strain is part of the genetic diversity of Libyan honey bees, characterized by uniq... more The Kufra bee strain is part of the genetic diversity of Libyan honey bees, characterized by unique morphological and behavioural characteristics that make it different from other strains in the region. This study aimed to measure some morphological traits of honey bee workers. Four bee colonies were used in this study for each region, Kufra honey bees (isolated area) and Tripoli honey bees (non-isolated area), in order to determine the effect of isolation on the Kufra honey bee strain. Twenty workers/colonies were collected from bee colonies during the spring of 2020, and transferred to the Entomology Laboratory at the Faculty of Science - University of Tripoli, where they were dissected to measure 20 morphological traits, including 9 length traits (proboscis length, length, width and function of the forewing (a\b), length of the thigh, leg, basal tarsus and basal tarsus width of the hind legs, and length of the stinger of honey bee workers), in addition to 11 angles of the forewing. No significant differences were recorded in all the averages of the studied morphological traits between the bee colonies in the two groups. However, the results of the discriminant analysis of the morphological traits showed an overlap between the bees of Tripoli and Kufra regions, indicating that they are more closely related than any other bee strain. The cluster analysis also confirmed this connection in the lines of kinship between the bees of the two regions, and it is clearly shown by the Euclidean distance links. We conclude from the study that natural isolation alone is not sufficient to maintain the purity of this strain, especially in case of the import of queen bees.
The western honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera exhibit variations in morphological and biological... more The western honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera exhibit variations in morphological and biological traits due to geographic factors and natural barriers that isolate different regions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of honeybee queens from Kufra (an isolated region) and Tripoli (a non-isolated region) by analyzing colony performance during the spring season. Four colonies from each region were selected, each containing seven brood frames fully covered with bees and headed by a one-year-old queen. Colony performance was assessed using several criteria, including hygienic behavior, varroa mite infestation rates, honey production, and aggressiveness level. The results indicated that colonies from both regions demonstrated high levels of hygienic behavior, low varroa infestation rates, and moderate honey production. However, all colonies exhibited a high level of aggressiveness. No significant differences were found in the biological activities of colonies from the two regions, except for aggressiveness. Worker bees from Tripoli displayed more aggressive behavior, pursuing longer distances (P = 0.018) and for extended durations (P = 0.032) compared to those from Kufra. This study also recorded the presence of varroa mite infestations in colonies from Kufra and highlighted the strong similarity between colonies from both regions in all biological activities, except for their level of aggressiveness.
This experiment aimed to evaluate acaricidal activity of essential oils extracted from bitter mel... more This experiment aimed to evaluate acaricidal activity of essential oils extracted from bitter melon (Citrullus colocynthis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and garlic (Allium sativum) against varroa mites (Varroa destructor), a major cause of honeybee colony loss. Twenty honeybee colonies were divided into four groups, one control group and four treatment groups. Each treatment group received 40 ml of plant extracts at a 15% concentration. Mite infestation levels were assessed using the alcohol wash method, and hive bottom boards were utilized to monitor mite drop rates. All tested essential oils were effective against mites. The efficacy rates on the adult bees were 86% for bitter melon, 85% for thyme and 78% for garlic. On the brood, the rates were slightly higher, with 96% for bitter melon, 90% for thyme and 70% for garlic. The highest mite drop rates were observed after the first application of all tested oils, with peak toxicity occurring 24 hours post-treatment. Bitter melon treatment led to weekly varroa drop rates of 52%, followed closely by thyme at 47%. The lowest drop rate was recorded with garlic oil treatment at 34%. These findings indicate that essential oil could serve as practical alternative acaricides in the management of varroa mites in apiaries.
Prevalence of varroa mites (Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) and bee lice (Bruala coeca Nitzsch) in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies in Libya
Open Veterinary Journal, 2023
Background: Primary key pest affecting the apiculture business in many areas of the globe is the ... more Background: Primary key pest affecting the apiculture business in many areas of the globe is the ecto-parasite varroa mite (Varroa destructor), recently, bee lice has become a considerable bee pest. Aim: In this study, the ecto-parasites that infest honey bees, were investigated during the spring of 2013. Methods: A total of 66 apiaries were investigated from different geographical regions in Libya: 34 apiaries from the southern region, 21 apiaries from the north-eastern region, and 11 apiaries from the north-western region. Three bee colonies were randomly chosen from each apiary (316 colonies). From each colony, 300 worker bees were taken as samples, put in container filled with 100 ml of alcohol, and transported to the Honey bee Laboratory - Plant Protection Department at the University of Tripoli's. The parasites were separated from the bees and identified, and the infestation rates were calculated. Results: The study of the parasite distribution clearly showed that varroa m...
International Journal of Agricultural, Biosystems Science and Engineering, Jan 30, 2014
Australia does not have varroa mite. However, we investigated whether modified hive bottom boards... more Australia does not have varroa mite. However, we investigated whether modified hive bottom boards used for varroa mite management in honey bee colonies had other benefits, for honey production. We compared a number of colony parameters between hives fitted with tube, mesh and conventional (solid) bottom boards in two locations in eastern Australian, Richmond NSW and Castlemaine Victoria. Colonies housed in hives with mesh and tube bottom boards were not significantly superior to those in hives with conventional bottom boards with regard to bee flight activity, nor did they produce more honey, brood or stored pollen, in either experimental site. Although the trial was conducted over only one season, it is suggested that there may be no benefit in Australian bee keepers changing from using conventional bottom boards in the absence of varroamite.
International Science Index, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Nov 11, 2014
Honey bees are the most important insects because of their ecologic and economic impacts. They po... more Honey bees are the most important insects because of their ecologic and economic impacts. They pollinate more than 200 flowering crop plants resulting in an increased yield. Also, honey bees provide multiple products such as honey, royal jelly, wax, venom, pollen and propolis. Beekeeping has been practiced by Africans in all parts of the continent for many thousands of years. However, there is a little scientific information published worldwide about beekeeping in Libya. This review article aims to shed light on the history and current status of honey bee keeping in Libya.
The corn earworm, <em>Helicoverpa zea </em>Boddie, is a serious pest of corn. Larval ... more The corn earworm, <em>Helicoverpa zea </em>Boddie, is a serious pest of corn. Larval feeding in ear tips destroys kernels and allows growth of fungi and production of mycotoxins. Infested sweet corn is not marketable. Development of improved transgenic hybrids expressing insecticidal toxins from <em>Bacillus thuringiensis </em>(Bt) may limit or prevent crop losses. The effectiveness of Attribute<sup>®</sup> II Bt resistance and applications of Voliam Xpress insecticide were evaluated for effectiveness in controlling corn earworm in plots near Urbana, IL, USA, in 2013. Where no insecticides were applied, ear infestations and kernel damage in Attribute<sup>®</sup> II 'Protector' plots were consistently lower (near zero) than in plots of the non-Bt isoline 'Garrison.' Multiple applications of Voliam Xpress significantly reduced the number of corn earworm larvae and kernel damage in the Garrison plots, but infestations and ...
Australia does not have varroa mite. However, we investigated the efficacy of modified hive botto... more Australia does not have varroa mite. However, we investigated the efficacy of modified hive bottom boards used for varroa mite management in honeybee colonies to control small hive beetle, <em>Aethina tumida</em>. We assessed infestation levels between hives fitted with tube, mesh and conventional (solid) bottom boards in Richmond, NSW eastern Australian. Colonies housed in hives with tube bottom boards were significantly superior to those in hives with conventional and mesh bottom boards. Even though in-hive beetle populations were generally low during the trial period, hives fitted with tube bottom boards however, had fewer small hive beetles than other hives. Although the trial was conducted over only one season, it suggests that there may be benefit in Australian beekeepers changing from using conventional bottom boards even with the absence of varroa mite, when small hive beetle is present.
The effectiveness of a commercial bee attractant, synthetic honey bee queen mandibular pheromone ... more The effectiveness of a commercial bee attractant, synthetic honey bee queen mandibular pheromone (Fruit Boost<sup>®</sup>) for enhancing pollination of <em>Gossypium hirsutum</em> was evaluated in a transgenic (Bt) cotton crop. The study assessed the number of bee visitations to blossoms of plants treated with Fruit Boost<sup>®</sup> as well, as effects on fruit set, yield, and lint quality. Bee activity on plots sprayed with pheromone concentrations of 50 and 500 queen equivalents (QEQ) /ha did not differ significantly from water-only control, on the day of application or the subsequent day. Application of the pheromone did not increase fruit set, yield, or lint quality. Two consecutive pheromone applications, applied two days apart, were not significantly different from a single application for any parameter.
This study was designed to evaluate the behavioural resistance of Libyan honeybee. A freeze-kille... more This study was designed to evaluate the behavioural resistance of Libyan honeybee. A freeze-killed brood assay was used to explore the hygienic behaviour, while grooming behavior was assessed using anti-varroa bottom board. All colonies (100%) were found to show hygienic behaviour, with some other colonies having a high level of removal of sealed dead larvae and pupae. Higher infestation rate of varroa was detected in colonies performed lower hygienic behavior. There was a positive correlation between grooming behavior and number of falling varroa on bottom board of bee hives. For the first time since Varroa invaded Libya, our results provide evidence that untreated local honeybee colonies can survive the mite, which may be the basis for integrated Varroa management.
This study was designed to evaluate the population dynamics of Varroa mites and bee lice in natur... more This study was designed to evaluate the population dynamics of Varroa mites and bee lice in naturally infested honey bee colonies Apis mellifera Varroa destructor and Braula coeca infestation rate on both adult bees and sealed brood was estimated, in addition of the estimation of falling parasites trapped by using anti-varroa bottom boards. The results showed that mean infestation rate of V. destructor on adults and brood was 2 % on January, increased rapidly on June to reach the maximum of 40% , then decreased again to the season minimum rate in Dec 2014. The infestation rate of B. coeca began to increase rapidly in May, reaching the season’s maximum rate of 2.1 %, for A. mellifera in December of 2014. We conclude both of the honey bee parasites were found in the apiary with the most common parasite being the Varroa mite. In spite of hosting few pathogens, yet most parasites, A. m. colonies appeared to
Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess the toxicity of fipronil to seven-day-old worker ho... more Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess the toxicity of fipronil to seven-day-old worker honey bees, using topical and oral applications duplicating likely field exposure. In addition, residual effects of fipronil were assessed after potted cotton plants were sprayed with full and half recommended field rates, exposed to field conditions, then bees were exposed to different age residues. The acute dermal LD50 was 1.9 ng / bee, and acute oral LC50 was 0.4 ng / bee. The residual toxicity of fipronil on cotton leaves remained high for an extended period of 25 d and 20 d for full and half recommended rates of fipronil, respectively. These studies show that fipronil is highly toxic to honey bees via direct spray contact, ingestion, and contact with residues. The application of fipronil in flowering cotton is, therefore, unlikely to be compatible with use of managed honey bees
To my wife, my parents, my son Elyas and daughters Islam and Safeea, for their sacrifices, prayer... more To my wife, my parents, my son Elyas and daughters Islam and Safeea, for their sacrifices, prayers, and constant support and encouragement. iii DECLARATION I declare that this thesis submitted is wholly my own work unless otherwise referenced or acknowledged. The document has not been submitted for qualifications at any other academic institution.
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are native in Africa, and traditional beekeeping has been practice... more Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are native in Africa, and traditional beekeeping has been practiced by Africans in all parts of the continent for many thousands of years. No doubt, the introduction of removable comb hives to many countries including Libya has significantly contributed to develop beekeeping industry. However, there is little scientific information published worldwide about beekeeping history, especially in Africa. This review article aims to shed light on the current state of keeping honey bees in Libya, bee plants and honey production, and pest and diseases recorded. Pasado y presente de la apicultura en Libia La abeja (Apis mellifera L.) es nativa en Á frica y la apicultura tradicional ha sido practicada por los africanos en todo el continente durante miles de años. Sin duda, la introducció n de colmenas con cuadros mó viles en muchos países, incluyendo Libia ha contribuido significativamente a desarrollar la industria apícola. Sin embargo, hay poca informació n científica publicada mundialmente sobre la historia de la apicultura, especialmente en Á frica. Este artículo de revisió n pretende arrojar luz sobre el estado actual de la apicultura con las abejas de miel en Libia, las plantas de interés apícola y la producció n de miel, y las plagas y las enfermedades registradas.
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Papers by Marwan Keshlaf
The study implicated the possible inhibition effects of different concentrations of Alhanoon honey on some species of Gram positive, and Gram negative as well as human pathogenic and plant pathogenic bacteria (A. Tumefaciens, P. Savastanoi, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, staph. aures and E. coli).The results showed that, Alhanoon honey had obvious inhibition effect at the two concentrations of 100%, 75%, on all studied bacteria . where the averages of the zones at the concentrations of 100% for bacteria(P. aeruginosa, A. Tumefaciens , Staph.aureus, B. subtilis and E. coli were (22, 16, 17, 12, 10 mm) respectively, and at concentration of 75% were (17, 9, 9, 10 and 2 mm) respectively with exception of bacteria P. aeruginosa, and B. subtilis, which both showed resistance at the concentration 75%. However, at the two concentrations 25% and 50% on inhibition was observed on the studied species, except the bacteria Staph. Aureus which showed sensitivity to the Alhanoon honey at concentration 50%, with appearance of some resistant colonies in inhibition zone.
Entomology Laboratory at the Faculty of Science - University of Tripoli, where they were dissected to measure 20 morphological traits, including 9 length traits (proboscis length, length, width and function of the forewing (a\b), length of the thigh, leg, basal tarsus and basal tarsus width of the hind legs, and length of the stinger of honey bee workers), in addition to 11 angles of the forewing. No significant differences were recorded in all the averages of the studied morphological traits between the bee colonies in the two groups. However, the results of the discriminant analysis of the morphological traits
showed an overlap between the bees of Tripoli and Kufra regions, indicating that they are more closely related than any other bee strain. The cluster analysis also confirmed this connection in the lines of kinship between the bees of the two regions, and it is clearly shown by the Euclidean distance links. We conclude from the study that natural isolation alone is not sufficient to maintain the purity of this strain, especially in case of the import of queen bees.