Nosema ceranae as a fungal parasite has been reported from the Apis mellifera in all continents. It causes reduced longevity, depopulation, decreased production, and colony losses in honeybee colonies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of N.ceranae in the apiaries of Mazandaran province. In this study, we randomly selected 320 hives from thirty-two apiaries and collected twenty old honeybees from the apiaries. The collected samples were examined by microscopy and molecular methods. The results of the microscopic examinations showed that 78.12% of apiaries were infected with Nosema spp. In addition, N. ceranae was identified 84.37% of apiaries by PCR, while no samples were infected by N. apis. Blast analysis of the sequenced samples confirmed the presence of N. ceranae infection in the apiaries. Based on the obtained results, a high frequency of N.ceranae was detected in apiaries in Mazandaran province.

Keywords