The studies were conducted during 2006-07 and 2007-08 on the bioecology and management of honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) mites with special reference to Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman infesting honeybee colonies. The studies revealed that mite infestation had a pronounced influence on the body weight of developing worker and drone brood and emerging adults. In case of drones infested with 1-3 mites (slightly infested), the body weight loss ranged from 8.58 to 11.92 % which averaged 10.33 %. However, in case of drone adults infested with 3-5 mites (moderately infested), the body weight loss ranged from 17.09 to 19.33 %, which averaged to 18.26 %. Similarly, in case of worker adult bees, the percent weight loss ranged between 9.45 to 12.43 % and the average weight loss was 11.09 %. In case of worker adults infested with 3-5 mites, the loss ranged between 14.96 to 19.71 % and the average weight loss was 17.53 %. Similar reductions were found in pupae of drones and workers infested with Varroa mite. Evidently, infested colonies had weak workers and drones and exhibited reduced honey gathering and pollination activities.

D. P. Abrol

Papers

Impact of varroa destructor infestation on the body weight of developing honeybee brood and emerging adults