1
Return

Chalkbrood disease in honey bees: host–parasite interactions, host defenses, and implications for management

delete2026-04-28
delete0
delete
OA
AI
E
Edward M. Hsieh *
A
Alexis Masnjak
C
Cameron Jack
M
Michael Simone-Finstrom
E
Elizabeth M. Walsh
DOI:10.1093/aesa/saag015delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Chalkbrood is a brood disease of honey bees caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis (Maassen x Claussen). Since its initial description in Europe, chalkbrood has spread to every continent where beekeeping is practiced, weakening colonies via the production of the characteristic hyphae-covered mummies. As concerns surrounding honey bee health have grown, so has interest in this brood disease and finding effective ways to control it. In this review, we briefly cover chalkbrood distribution, epidemiology, and pathology before discussing recent advances in our understanding of the social and individualized defense mechanisms employed by honey bees against this brood disease. We particularly emphasize research examining the genetic interactions between chalkbrood virulence and honey bee resistance, which hold promise for the development of targeted breeding and treatment programs. We also provide updates on control and treatment methods currently employed and those still under investigation, in addition to identifying knowledge gaps for future studies.
Keywords:
chalkbrood
Ascosphaera apis
honey bee
host–parasite interactions
disease management

Journal

A
Annals of the Entomological Society of America
IF:
1.8
Papers:
3.0K
Citations:
5.9K

Organization

U
university of florida
Scholars:
5.0K
Papers: 2.3K
Citations: 1
U
USDA-ARS
Scholars:
132
Papers: 65
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers