Inducing a summer brood break increases the efficacy of oxalic acid vaporization for Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) control in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies.
J Insect Sci
; 23(6)2023 Nov 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38055946
ABSTRACT
The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), is the leading cause of western honey bee colony, Apis mellifera (L.), mortality in the United States. Due to mounting evidence of resistance to certain approved miticides, beekeepers are struggling to keep their colonies alive. To date, there are varied but limited approved options for V. destructor control. Vaporized oxalic acid (OA) has proven to be an effective treatment against the dispersal phase of V. destructor but has its limitations since the vapor cannot penetrate the protective wax cap of honey bee pupal cells where V. destructor reproduces. In the Southeastern United States, honey bee colonies often maintain brood throughout the year, limiting the usefulness of OA. Prior studies have shown that even repeated applications of OA while brood is present are ineffective at decreasing mite populations. In the summer of 2021, we studied whether incorporating a forced brood break while vaporizing with OA would be an effective treatment against V. destructor. Ninety experimental colonies were divided into 2 blocks, one with a brood break and the other with no brood break. Within the blocks, each colony was randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatments no OA, 2 g OA, or 3 g OA. The combination of vaporizing with OA and a forced brood break increased mite mortality by 5× and reduced mite populations significantly. These results give beekeepers in mild climates an additional integrated pest management method for controlling V. destructor during the summer season.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Abejas
/
Ácido Oxálico
/
Varroidae
/
Acaricidas
/
Apicultura
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Insect Sci
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos