noun
- a fungal disease of honeybee larvae caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis, in which infected larvae become mummified and appear chalky white
Usage: beekeeping and entomology term; also called chalk brood
Examples
- The beekeeper discovered chalkbrood in the hive and removed the affected frames.
- Chalkbrood is most common in cool, damp conditions that favor fungal growth.
- Infected larvae mummify and turn white, giving the disease its name chalkbrood.
- Good hive ventilation helps prevent chalkbrood outbreaks in honeybee colonies.