The impact of Nosema bombi on its bumble bee hosts : ecology, epidemiology and the wider context of multiple parasitism
Citation:
Samina T. Rutrecht, 'The impact of Nosema bombi on its bumble bee hosts : ecology, epidemiology and the wider context of multiple parasitism', [thesis], Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of Zoology, 2006, pp 181Download Item:
Rutrecht TCD THESIS 7945 The impact.pdf (PDF) 118.2Mb
Abstract:
Bumble bees are eusocial insects that play a key role in ecosystem function as essential
pollinators for many flowering plants (Alford, 1975). The importance of their diseases,
for example damage caused by the microsporidian Nosema bombi, has been recognised
since early last century (Fantham & Porter, 1914). Generally, N. bombi could be
expected to be a relatively mild disease as the parasite's successful transmission to the
next generation and thus its survival depends on the survival of its annual host during
the stressful time of hibernation (Bull, 1994; Schmid-Hempel, 1998). However,
previous work on this parasite has produced a complex and contradictory picture.
While several authors have indeed found few or no externally visible effects of
infection, other reports suggest Nosema to be a severe and devastating disease, capable
of inhibiting mating, and killing individuals and entire colonies.
Author: Rutrecht, Samina T.
Advisor:
Brown, MarkQualification name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Publisher:
Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of ZoologyNote:
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Zoology, Ph.D., Ph.D. Trinity College DublinLicences: