GAMMA RADIATION: A SANITATING TREATMENT OF AFB- CONTAMINATED BEEKEEPING EQUIPMENT GAMMA RADIATION SANITATION IN BEEKEEPING MANAGEMENT

Although American Foulbrood is well known, this disease is still a relevant cause of beehive and economic losses to beekeepers. Gamma radiation from a Cobalt-60 source provides an effective means of treating AFB contaminated beekeeping material for its reuse in apiary. Contaminated equipment (hive, frames, wax, honey) was irradiated at three different dosages: 10, 15 and 25 kGray. The infectivity of the spores contained in scales and honey was tested before and after the radiation treatment by culture. Furthermore, the gamma rays effects on beeswax and honey were investigated. None of the irradiated samples was positive to P. larvae irrespective of the radiation level applied. At a 10 kGray radiation level no particular changes in beeswax composition were registered. The main physico-chemical modifications observed in honey were those of enzymatic activity decrease, bubbles formation and leakage of honey out of frames.