Hemocyte counts of Honey bee (Apis Mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera : Apidae) pupa infested with mite (Varroa jacobsoni oudemans)

Leah T. Lara

Date

4-1993

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Cleofas R. Cervancia

Abstract

LARA, LEAH T. CoIlege of Arts and Science University of Philippines at Lob Banos. April 1992. HEMOCYTE COUNTS OF HONEY BEE (Apis mellifera L.) (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) PUPA INFESTED WITH MITE (Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans).

Major Adviser: Dr. Cleofas R. Cervancia

The hemocytes from the legs of healthy and Varroa ante infested pupae of honey bee, Apis mellifera were compared. The hemocytes were studied using squash method with Wright's stain. Differential and total hemocyte counts were determined and the cellular characteristics such as the sizes, shapes and frequencies of the various types(hemocytes) were classified using Gupta's identification key (1979). Three types of hemocytes namely: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, and granulocytes were present in mite free pupae. Infested pupae, on the other hand, contained only prohemocytes and plasmatocytes. Mites that suck the hemolymph of the infested pupae were said to be responsible for the absence of granulocytes. The weight of healthy and infested pupae were also determined. Healthy pupae have a mean weight higher than those of the infested ones. The total hemocyte counts and mean weight of mite—free pupae were significantly higher than those infested ones. This study supports the observation that mite-free bees are more resistant to diseases. This is due to the presence of granulocytes that perform phagocytic or encapsulation reactions. An increase in the total hemocyte counts could also provide the insect with better chances of survival. Plasmatocytes, though participate in wound healing, do not perform phagocytic action. Prohemocyte were considered to the nonmobile and nonphagocytic and only function for reproduction.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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