The Effect of Some Essential Oils on the Growth of Bacteria Paenibacillus (Bacillus) larvae Causing American Foulbrood Disease to Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)


Abstract in English

The effect of some essential oils taken from Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus limonum and Rosmarinus Officinalis was investigated in relation to the growth of bacteria Paenibacillus larvae which causes American Foulbrood disease that affects world honey bees Apis mellifera L. The study was carried out in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University from 2012 till 2013. This is in order to contribute to preparing an integrated pest management program for American Foulbrood disease. The oils were extracted from the plants using steam distillation. The effects of the concentrations of oils on the growth of P. larvae were tested between (3.90625 - 500 μg/ml) using agar disc diffusion in petri plates. Results showed that the essential oils used stop the growth of P. larvae in some of their concentrations. The minimal inhibitory concentrations which stop the growth of P. larvae of the oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus limonum and Rosmarinus officinalis were recorded at 31.25 μg/ml, 62.5 μg/ml, 125 μg/ml respectively.

References used

ALIPPI, A.M.; RINGUELET, A.J.; CERMELE, E.L.; RE, M.S.; HENNING C.P. Antimicrobial Activity of Some Essential Oils Against Paenibacillus larvae, the Causal Agent of American Foulbrood Disease. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, United Kingdom & USA & Singapore & Australia, Vol. 4, 2, 1996, 9-16
ANON. American Foulbrood of Honey Bees. OIE Terrestrial Manual International, 2008, 395-404
AOAC. official methods of analysis of AOAC international, 17th edition. USA, 2000

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