Nosema ceranae changes semen characteristics and damages sperm DNA in honeybee drones

Authors

  • G Borsuk Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production; Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy; University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
  • M Kozłowska Department of Botany and Mycology; Institute of Biology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology; Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
  • M Anusiewicz Department of Botany and Mycology; Institute of Biology and Biochemistry; Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology; Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
  • J Paleolog Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology & Wildlife Management; Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy; University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25431/1824-307X/isj.v15i1.197-202

Keywords:

Nosema ceranae, Apis mellifera, sperm, drone, DNA fragmentation, chromatin dispersion

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine how infection with Nosema ceranae spores affected semen volume, sperm concentration, and fragmentation of sperm DNA in honeybees. A total of 120 one-dayold drones were marked with queen bee marking numbers, and equally divided into two groups. Drones in the infected group were individually fed with honey syrup containing 200 000 N. ceranae spores per 1 µL, while those in the uninfected (control) group were fed honey syrup without spores. The groups were then placed in two separate colonies. Fourteen days later, ejaculate was collected from the drones and was analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration per 1 µL semen, and sperm DNA fragmentation. Compared to uninfected controls, the N. ceranae spore-infected drones showed significantly decreased semen volume and sperm concentration, as well as a higher percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation.

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Published

2018-06-07

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Research Reports