In Europe comb replacement in the brood nest of honey bee (Apis
mellifera L.) colonies is generally regarded as an important sanitary measure
(JORDAN, 1960 ; ZECHA 1964) and, therefore, is widely practiced. In contrast,
combs in the USA are often used for decades before they are shifted out
(KOENIG et al. , 1986a, b). Old combs are durable during extraction and wax
renewal involves labor. In addition, experimental results indicate more efficient
storage of honey in dark combs and drawing out comb foundation during the
honeyflow reduces the honey yield.

Honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) were wintered for 5 successive years, on comb foundation, on
brood nest wax changed early in the summer, or on the same combs throughout the experiment. It was
shown that keeping bees on old comb increases the risk of detectable Nosema apis Z. spore levels in the
spring and nosema disease was significantly correlated with winterloss.

COMB REPLACEMENT AND NOSEMA DISEASE (NOSEMA APIS Z.) IN HONEY BEE COLONIES
Ingemar FRIES Apidologie 1988


Peter L Borst
128 Lieb Road
Spencer, NY  14883
42.35°N 76.50°W

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