Method, apparatus and compositions for the prophylaxis and treatment of colony collapse disorder

Abstract

This invention concerns a method for preventing and treating Colony Collapse Disorder, consisting in the use of an automated device that delivers a diet specifically calibrated for consumption by farm colonies of bees to be treated. The apparatus comprises a box-like container (10) accommodating in its interior at least one reservoir for liquid-tight, accessible from outside through a nozzle (4), an atomizing device of a liquid solution or suspension contained in the reservoir, means for the delivery (2, 1) of the liquid atomized solution or suspension into micrometric drops outside the apparatus, and a control unit programmed for timing the delivery of the solution or suspension to the outside, for the determination of the quantity of solution or suspension delivered and for emitting alarm signals in case of malfunction, the apparatus being powered DC with the energy supplied by a solar panel (5) located outside of the container. The liquid solution or suspension comprises tonic and nutrient ingredients, mainly consisting of milk powder, sugars and lower organic acids, antioxidant and antiseptic ingredients contained in plant extracts and healing ingredients to bees, such as essential oils of thyme and oxalic acid.

Claims

1. A method for prevention and treatment of Colony Collapse Disease (CCD) by administering nutrients and therapeutic substances to bee colonies to be treated, comprising delivering a liquid solution or suspension in a form of spray, the liquid solution or suspension comprising: a) a nutrition composition comprising a sugar, a C.sub.2-C.sub.6 organic acid, and milk powder, and optionally yeasts; b) an antioxidant and antiseptic composition comprising an extract of Origanum vulgare and an extract of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, and Origanum majorana; and c) a medicinal composition for bees comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of thymol and extracts of Thymus vulgaris, and at least one selected from the group consisting of extracts of Aloe arborescens, oxalic acid, extracts of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima, and mixtures thereof.

2. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 1, wherein said nutrition composition comprises milk powder, acetic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and one selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose and a mixture of glucose and fructose.

3. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 2, wherein said nutrition composition further comprises glycerin.

4. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 1, wherein said liquid solution or suspension comprises an extract of Origanum vulgare and an extract of at least two selected from the group consisting of Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; and Origanum majorana extract.

5. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 4, wherein said liquid solution or suspension further comprises extract of Monarda citriodora.

6. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 1, wherein said medicinal composition for bees comprises extracts of Thymus vulgaris, extracts of Aloe arborescens and oxalic acid.

7. The method for prevention and treatment according to claim 6, wherein said medicinal composition for bees further comprises extract of Beta vulgaris.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The specific features of the invention, as well as the advantages of the same and their operational modes, will be apparent with reference to the detailed description presented below, and to some specific embodiments of the relevant dispensing device, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings,

(2) FIG. 1 is a functional scheme of a first embodiment of the dispensing apparatus according to the invention for the automated delivery of a therapeutic and nutrient preparation for CCD to the colonies of bees to be treated; and

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dispensing apparatus for a therapeutic ad nutrient preparation for CCD according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(4) Therefore, the present invention specifically provides an automated equipmentto be positioned in the proximity of the hivefor the prevention and treatment of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) through the administration of nutrient and therapeutic substances to bee colonies to be treated, said apparatus comprising a boxlike container made of a material resistant to atmospheric agents, which accommodates in its interior at least a first liquid-tight reservoir fitted with a stirrer, and accessible from the outside through a first inlet neck, a nebulizing device for a liquid solution or suspension of nourishment contained in said first reservoir, means for dispensing the liquid solution or suspension nebulized into micrometric drops outside the apparatus, and a control unit programmed for timing the delivery of the solution or suspension to the outside, for dosing the amount of solution or suspension dispensed and for emitting warning signals in case of malfunctioning of the apparatus or reduction of the liquid solution or suspension contained in the first reservoir below a preset level, said apparatus being powered in DC by energy supplied by a solar panel placed on the exterior of said boxlike container and electrically connected to said control unit.

(5) According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the means for dispensing the nebulized liquid solution or suspension to the exterior include a container or feeding chamber accessible to the bees but sheltered from the external environment, for example similar to those containers used as feeders to be positioned on top of the outer cover in conventional hives, but with an entrance for the bees provided from the outside. It is also possible to provide, above the container/feeder itself, a cover having the function of a sunscreen, preferably colored in bright and floral colors, in order to better attract bees to the food source.

(6) According to other preferred embodiments, the means for dispensing the nebulized liquid solution or suspension outside of the apparatus also include a telescopic tube extensible in length upwards, placed between the boxlike container of the apparatus and said container or feeding chamber, which allows to adjust the height of the point of delivery of the nutritious and therapeutic preparation of the invention.

(7) Preferably, the proposed apparatus according to the invention comprises a second reservoir inside said boxlike container, having smaller volume than the first reservoir, in communication with it and separately accessible from the outside through a second inlet neck. The two separate accesses permit to reintegrate independently an aqueous concentrated solution or suspension of the nutritious and therapeutic preparation according to the invention through the second inlet neck, while the first inlet neck is used only for the connection to the water supply.

(8) The boxlike container of the apparatus proposed is conveniently made of material resistant to atmospheric agents, for example similar to the material of the hives near which it must be placed, and it is preferably externally colored with one or more colors that are attractive to pollinator insects, such as purple, blue, red or green. Preferably, said container is made of seasoned spruce wood, externally painted in the above mentioned colors.

(9) To further facilitate the management of the automated treatment, the apparatus according to the invention may comprise further control devices in addition to those already mentioned, compatibly with the cost of such equipment. In particular, it may comprise one or more temperature and/or pH sensors, or multiparameter sensors, located inside the main reservoir, and the control unit may be programmed to monitor the measured values of the relative magnitudes and to emit alarm signals in the event that these values go beyond the set limits.

(10) As it has to be positioned on the ground in the proximity of the bees colonies to be treated, the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises four wheels placed below the boxlike container, and one or more handles for manually positioning said apparatus, so as to enable the beekeeper to move it in the most favorable place in relation to the hives, the water supply location, the position of the sun, and other requirements that may vary during the season or depending on other events.

(11) The apparatus according to the invention is also described in the two to exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings (where corresponding elements are indicated with the same reference numerals). The apparatus consists of a special and automated nebulizing system to be installed in the proximity of the colonies or hives in order to facilitate the accessibility to the nebulized liquid preparation, through the apparatus, by the families of bees to be subjected to the treatment.

(12) The system is composed of a box or container (10), for example equipped with wheels (13) and handle (14) to allow its positioning, and having a color suited to attract the bees and/or to be viewed by them, for example, in purple, blue, red or yellow. The container (10) can be realized in different materials, possibly recyclable, such as seasoned spruce wood or other timber suitable for the outdoor permanence and for the exposure to sunlight and rain.

(13) Inside the container (10) a first gas-tight reservoir (6) is housed, having a volume from a minimum of 2 liters to a maximum of 20 liters, in which there is poured, through the inlet neck (3), the concentrate prepared according to the invention with selected ingredients, later detailed, and that allows the correct dosage of the ingredients themselves.

(14) In a second gas-tight reservoir (9), having a volume from a minimum of 20 liters to a maximum of 35 liters, drinking water is loaded through the inlet neck (4), possibly water with low hardness, by which the content of the first reservoir (6) will be diluted. Alternatively, a single reservoir may be used, in which both water and the therapeutic and nutritious preparation to be diluted are loaded.

(15) In the case where the reservoirs designed are two, they are connected together through a pipe (11) and are supported on one another by means of supporting elements (8). On the bottom of the larger reservoir (9) (in the case of two reservoirs) or of the only reservoir (in the case of a single reservoir) there is a mixer (12) which is activated for short periods of time (generally few minutes) and allows the preparations to be maintained mixed thus avoiding any form of sedimentation on the bottom.

(16) The periodic distribution of the preparation according to the invention to the bees to be treated is carried out by nebulization of the preparation through special dispensing nozzles, preferably placed within a feeder-type container (1) similar to those normally used in the apiary in covercombs, but accessible to the bees from the outside, for example, through the opening (17). The nebulization occurs through a nebulizing device (15) powered in DC, by means of rechargeable batteries which in turn are fed by a 5 W to 15 W solar panel (5), installed on the equipment, working at from 4.5 volts up to a maximum of 12 volts. The electrical nebulization system that pressurizes the contents of the reservoirs (6) and (9), or the one reservoir, is equipped with a telescopic tube (2) having, for example, a length up to 150 cm. The telescopic tube (2) allows to place at the optimum height the dispensing nozzles, which emit a micrometer mist (aerosol) consisting of the preparation in aqueous solution or suspension according to the invention.

(17) As already noted, the energy required to operate the equipment is supplied by a solar panel (5), which allows to use the equipment also in open country and where there is no available fixed power supply. Therefore, the operator using the equipment, after placing it in the optimal place in the proximity of the hives, has only to fill the reservoir with water and pour the mixture according to the invention. The preparation should be refilled approximately every 2-3 months, while the water level is not to be reintegrated more than once a month.

(18) Thanks to an electronic control system (7) present in the apparatus and to a programmed timer, the nutritious and therapeutic preparation according to the invention is sprayed periodically and made available to the bees in micronized drops of solution or suspension. The control system (7) also allows to check the water and the nutritious and therapeutic preparation levels, and notifies the user, by means of a light and/or sound signal, and by sending telephonic messaging and/or e-mail, when a reservoir reaches the minimum level. The electronic control system (7) indicates in the same way the nebulizer module efficiency (in particular, the possible clogging of the nozzles), by signaling an abnormal electric absorption by the nebulizing system or, alternatively, by means of a pressure device which shows an increase of pressure at the nebulizer itself, which is a symptom of inlet nozzles clogging.

(19) The control system (7) also allows to detect and report general anomalies of the timing system (which may be digital or mechanical with mobile switches), of the solar panel (5) functioning or the batteries charge levels. The control system (7), which can also be a simple PLC (programmable logic controller), acquires the data of the multiparameter probe (16), with alarm for temperatures below 0 C. and possible verification of the pH of the solution to be nebulized, to control the exact dosage of the components of the preparation according to the invention in relation to water.

(20) The control system (7) can be further equipped with an interface for remote control and verification that allows programming or management of the alarm signals through smartphone applications, so as to have access to data 24 hours a day, and especially to be able to check the proper functioning of the equipment.

(21) The aqueous solution or suspension of the present invention to be used for being dispensed through the automated apparatus described above is made by the combination of ingredients selected to provide nourishment in calibrated proportions, consisting of sugars, protein foods such as yeast and milk powder, essential oils containing antioxidant active ingredients and having high tonic and healing effect.

(22) Therefore, the invention further concerns a liquid solution or suspension of nourishment deliverable in a nebulized form through the automated apparatus proposed, for the prevention and treatment of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), characterized in that it comprises, in a single aqueous solution or suspension:

(23) a) tonic and nutritious ingredients, mainly consisting of: milk powder and/or yeasts; sugars and lower organic acids;

(24) b) natural antioxidants and antiseptics contained in the extracts of one or more aromatic or medicinal plants selected from: Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, Origanum vulgare and Origanum majorana; and

(25) c) curative substances for bees, selected from thymol, oxalic acid, extracts of Thymus vulgaris, extracts of Aloe arborescens, extracts of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima and mixtures of two or more of the same.

(26) More specifically, the substances used in the preparation according to the invention are the following:

(27) A. Nutrient and Tonic Substances

(28) 1) Yeast, for example, baker's yeast, and/or milk powder, of which the bees are very fond. The level of proteins of the same is about 50% with a fat content around 7%. Yeasts and milk are the most complete in terms of amino acids and are rich in B vitamins. 2) Sugar of the glucose or fructose type to increase the palatability of the protein element to be administered. It is possible to add pollen and/or icing sugar (sucrose) in an amount ranging from 5% to 15% on the total dry weight of the formulation. As nutrients vitamin E and essential amino acids extracted from Aloe arborescens have also been used, which are listed below among the substances having curative activity. 3) Acetic acid and/or lower carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids, C.sub.2-C.sub.6. Aacetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid have the ability to cleave the molecules of sucrose, promoting assimilation by the bees. Also, said acids are antifungals useful in combating the presence of the fungus Nosema and other fungal forms. Specifically, the formulation may contain acetic acid at a maximum concentration of 6% by weight. A source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), such as lemon juice (which contains it, in addition to the most abundant citric acid), may be included in the formulation as a vitamin compound, as well as an antioxidant. 4) Among the measures taken to avoid the crystallization of the concentrated solution, one part of water and two parts of sugar can be brought to a boil for fifteen minutes and add at the end a 5% of glycerol and/or propylene glycol (calculated on the total weight of the concentrated formulation). This also has the advantage of lowering the freezing point of the entire composition, thus preventing the freezing of the preparation during the winter
B. Highly Active Antioxidants and Antiseptics

(29) Essential oils with a high content of antioxidants and/or antiseptics were extracted and added to the formulation, such as carotenoids of the type of crocetin, crocin and picrocrocin extracted from flowers and/or stigmas of saffron (extracts of Crocus sativus); essential oils as limonene, e.g. extracted from lemon; geraniol, citronellol, terpineol and linalool, extracted from Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), or from Monarda citriodora var. citriodora; myristicin, elemicin, geraniol and/or safrole and other aromatic ethers extracted from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg); carvacrol, thymol and other minor phenols extracts from Origanum vulgare (ssp hirtum); and terpenes type terpineol, borneol, sabinene and linalool, extracted from Origanum majorana.

(30) These active ingredients can be extracted for example from the plant species above and usually have a purity exceeding 55%, or they can be made synthetically.

(31) C. Other Therapeutic Substances

(32) To counteract and/or prevent mites, harmful fungal forms, viruses including the IIV6 and IAPV and side effects of neonicotinoids biologically active substances contained in Thymus vulgaris (common thyme) and those contained in Aloe arborescens (a species of Aloe less common of Aloe vera, but richer in biological active substances) were used. The first one, whose essential oil is already widely used in beekeeping, contains two phenolic compounds with biocidal activity, thymol and carvacrol, as well as cineol, borneol and other terpene compounds.

(33) The second one, Aloe arborescens, contains many biologically active compounds, including acemannan (a mucopolysaccharide known for its antiviral activity, having an immunomodulator action) and anthraquinones, including aloin and emodin, beta-sitosterol, in addition to acetylsalicylic acid. As already noted, the extracts of this plant also contain all of the essential amino acids and vitamin E.

(34) Moreover, a good activity was observed according to the invention with the use of extracts of common beet or Beta vulgaris cv altissima (sugar beet), containing flavonoids, trimethylglycine, compounds with antioxidant activity, oxalic acid and B vitamins.

(35) These extracts can also be added with oxalic acid in a quantity not exceeding 1% of the total of the concentrated formulation, for increasing the disinfecting effect in synergy with the natural compounds cited.

(36) Preparation of the Concentrated Solution or Suspension

(37) The concentrated solution or suspension, which must be subsequently diluted with water to reach the desired concentrations of the various ingredients, is prepared by the sequential addition of the various nutrients, followed by the antioxidants and the curative compounds, mixing with a bench stirrer in order to obtain an homogeneous solution (or suspension).

(38) According to some specific embodiments of the nebulizable solution or suspension of the invention, such nutrients and tonic ingredients included in the formulation consist of milk powder, glucose and/or fructose, acetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. Preferably, as already noted, the formulation is added with a small amount of glycerin to avoid crystallization of the concentrated intermediate solution.

(39) Preferably, the solution or suspension proposed contains the following aromatic and medicinal plant extracts in combination, with functions of primary antioxidants and/or antiseptics: Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; Origanum vulgare extract and Origanum majorana extract. Optionally, to the quoted extracts it is also added the extract of Monarda citriodora

(40) Additionally, the proposed solution or suspension contains, as curative substances for bees, Thymus vulgaris extracts, extracts of Aloe arborescens and oxalic acid, and, according to a preferred embodiment, also extract of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima.

(41) An exemplary formulation of the nutritious and therapeutic preparation of the invention is shown in the following table, showing the preferred concentrations ranges for the various ingredients.

(42) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Preferred concentrated formulation PREFERRERED CONCENTRATIONS INGREDIENTS (% by weight) Milk powder 5-10 Distilled water 28-33 Glucose and/or fructose 53-60 Vinegar 0.8-1.2 Glycerine 0.4-0.6 Liquid lemon sauce 0.4-0.6 Crocus sativus (crocus) 0.05-0.11 Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) 0.05-0.08 Monarda citriodora (monarda) 0.00-0.08 Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) 0.08-0.12 Origanum vulgare (oregano) 0.08-0.12 Origanum majorana (marjoram) 0.08-0.12 Thymol 0.00-0.04 Thymus vulgaris (thyme) 0.03-0.07 Aloe arborescens 0.10-0.20 Beta vulgaris (common beet) 0.00-0.30 Oxalic acid 0.00-0.10

(43) According to another aspect complementary to the above, the present invention consists in a method of treatment of domestic bees colonies for the prevention and treatment of Colony Collapse Disorder through the administration of nutritious and therapeutic substances, which method consists in the use the automatized apparatus of the invention described above for dispensing in a spray form an aqueous liquid solution or suspension containing:

(44) a) tonics and nutritious ingredients, mainly consisting of: milk powder and/or yeasts, sugars and lower organic acids;

(45) b) natural antioxidants and antiseptics contained in the extracts of one or more aromatic or medicinal plants selected from: Crocus sativus, Pelargonium graveolens, Monarda citriodora, Myristica fragrans, Origanum vulgaris and Origanum majorana; and

(46) c) medicinal substances for bees, selected from thymol, oxalic acid, extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Aloe arborescens extracts, extracts of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima and mixtures of two or more thereof.

(47) In the method of treatment according to the invention, preferred solutions are those in which such nutrient ingredients and tonics consist of milk powder, glucose and/or fructose, acetic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. Moreover, as already noted, such nutrient ingredients and tonics preferably comprise also glycerin.

(48) According to some preferred embodiments of the method of treatment and prophylaxis of the invention, the liquid solution or suspension contains the extracts of aromatic or medicinal herbs already mentioned, in combination: Crocus sativus extract; Pelargonium graveolens extract; Myristica fragrans extract; Origanum vulgare extract and Origanum majorana extract. Moreover, as already noted, the liquid solution or suspension may comprise in addition extract of Monarda citriodora.

(49) Still according to some specific embodiments of the method of prophylaxis and therapy of the invention, said substances curative for the bees are preferably extracts of Thymus vulgaris, extracts of Aloe arborescens and oxalic acid. In addition, a preferred variant also contains the extract of Beta vulgaris cv. altissima.

(50) By way of examples, which are not to be considered limitative but are useful to clarify the therapeutic and prophylactic measures for CCD proposed according to the invention, two formulations of exemplary solutions are reported in the following, which are suitable to be dispensed through the device proposed according to the method of the invention. The results of experiments conducted on the same formulations in field tests are reported as well.

Example 1

(51) Concentrated Nourishing, Antioxidant and Curative Formulation No. 1

(52) A first formulation to produce one liter of concentrated preparation to be diluted in 30 liters of water for the final spraying on a number of hives from 10 up to a maximum of 15 contained the following ingredients in the following proportions.

(53) A) Nutrients and tonicsto a total of 425 ml:

(54) TABLE-US-00002 aqueous solution at 15% by weight of milk powder 80 ml aqueous solution at 90% by weight of sugar 260 ml aqueous acetic acid at 6% by weight 20 ml glycerin 50 ml tartaric acid 5 ml citric acid 10 ml
B) Antioxidantsto a total of 255 ml: Essential oils in aqueous solution:

(55) TABLE-US-00003 Crocus sativus 55 ml, Pelargonium 45 ml, Monarda citriodora 35 ml, Myristica fragrans 45 ml, Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum 40 ml, Origanum majorana 35 ml;
C) Curative substancesto a total of 320 ml:

(56) Essential oils in aqueous solution:

(57) TABLE-US-00004 Thymus vulgaris 100 ml; Aloe arborescens 175 ml; Beta vulgaris cv altissima 25 ml; aqueous oxalic acid at 3% by weight 20 ml.

(58) TABLE-US-00005 Nutrients contained in the milk FORMULA I lipids 2.61 g proteins 2.39 g sugars 13.52 g

(59) The process to obtain the solution involves the sequential addition of the various nutrients in the order as indicated above, followed by the antioxidants and ending with the addition of the curative substances. Once added within a container, they are stirred at room temperature for 5-10 minutes with a bench stirrer in order to obtain a homogeneous solution of 1000 ml. At this point the preparation is ready to be further diluted with water, preferably of low hardness, or with demineralized water.

Example 2

(60) Concentrated Nourishing, Antioxidant and Curative Formulation No. 2

(61) A second formulation to make one liter of concentrated preparation to be diluted in 29 liters of water for the final spraying on a number of hives from 10 up to a maximum of 15 contained the following ingredients in the following proportions.

(62) A) Nutrients and tonicsto a total of 425 ml:

(63) TABLE-US-00006 aqueous solution at 15% by weight of milk powder 70 ml aqueous solution at 90% by weight of sugar 250 ml aqueous acetic acid at 6% by weight 20 ml glycerin 50 ml citric acid 10 ml
B) Antioxidantsto a total of 245 ml:

(64) Essential oils in aqueous solution:

(65) TABLE-US-00007 Crocus sativus 55 ml, Pelargonium 35 ml, Myristica fragrans 55 ml, Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum 75 ml, Origanum majorana 25 ml;
C) Curative substancesto a total of 355 ml:

(66) Essential oils in aqueous solution:

(67) TABLE-US-00008 Thymus vulgaris 90 ml; Aloe arborescens 245 ml; oxalic acid at 3% by weight in aqueous solution 20 ml.

(68) TABLE-US-00009 Nutrients contained in the milk FORMULA II lipids 2.28 g proteins 2.03 g sugars 11.83 g

(69) The process to obtain the final solution involves the sequential addition of the various nutrients in the order as indicated above, followed by the antioxidants and ending with the addition of the curative substances. Once added within a container, they are stirred at room temperature for 5-10 minutes with a stirrer bench in order to obtain a homogeneous solution of 1000 ml. At this point the preparation is ready to be further diluted with water, preferably of low hardness, or with demineralized water.

(70) Experimentation in the Field

(71) Tests have been made since 2009 in Italy, in Tuscany region at a location about 200 meters above sea level. The apparatus according to the invention has been positioned in the proximity of 10 active spruce hives, about 3 meters from the same and was fed continuously with batches of nutritious and therapeutic preparation formulated as in Example 1, and thereafter with batches of preparation formulated as in Example 2.

(72) This equipment has been active until the early months of 2011 and in the colonies there were no problems related to CCD, while in other domestic bees colonies in the vicinity there was an average loss of more than 20% over the same two years. At the end of 2010 the number of colonies in the apiary subjected to treatment according to the invention was increased up to a total of 14, with a net increase of 40%.

(73) At the beginning of 2011 the apparatus according to the invention was removed, and as of late March 2011, the same hives were gradually affected by the depopulation of CCD, and their total number was reduced to only four units in the month of July 2011. Thus, this finding confirms the initial hypothesis that the treatment method of the invention, as implemented through the proposed automatic nebulizing equipment properly positioned in the vicinity of colonies of honey bees to be treated, and fed with the described nutrient, antioxidant and curative formulation is effective to prevent and fight Colony Collapse Disorder.

(74) From the foregoing there follows that the prophylactic and therapeutic solution proposed according to the invention, besides countering the aforementioned problems of mites, fungi and IIV-6 and IAPV viruses, also provides a remedy to the shortage of food and tonics, and counters the negative effects of poisoning by the new generation pesticides, allowing to prevent and fight the onset of Colony Collapse Disorder.

(75) The present invention has been described with particular reference to some embodiments thereof but it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.