Effect of Fungicide Treatments on Incidence of Chalkbrood Disease in Nests of the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

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Abstract
A fungicide (Vitavax, carboxin with captan) was field tested to determine its effect on chalk brood disease of Megachile rotundata (F.). The fungicide was blown into the holes of nesting materials. Disease incidence was significantly reduced when nesting units were treated once a week. Fungicide application had no effect on nesting behavior (number of cells per nest) or immature mortality (from causes other than chalkbrood) when treated and untreated nests were compared. Thus, fungicide applications reduced fungal growth but did not disturb nesting of the bees.