Does sending honey bee, <i>Apis mellifera</i> (Hymenoptera: Apidae), colonies to lowbush blueberry, <i>Vaccinium angustifolium</i> (Ericaceae), for pollination increase <i>Nosema</i> spp. (Nosematidae) spore loads?

Abstract In the Canadian Maritimes, many beekeepers rent honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), hives to growers of lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium (Ericaceae), for pollination services. Anecdotally, have less vigour following pollination, potentially due higher Nosema spp. (Nosematidae) spore loads, microsporidian causing nosemosis. We undertook a study determine whether sending bee blueberry fields (blueberry hives) results in loads relative remaining apiaries (home hives). were quantified using light microscopy. apis and ceranae differentiated polymerase chain reaction sequencing. greatest April May declined low levels from June September. Ninety-eight per cent detections positive N. . April, had lower load than home did; however, June, significantly hives. No other differences observed between hive types. conclude that is dominant species Maritimes does not appear influence long-term loads.