Varroa sensitive hygiene

About: Varroa sensitive hygiene is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 714 publications have been published within this topic receiving 24928 citations. The topic is also known as: VSH.

Effect of artificial modification of the feeding activity of non-foraging and foraging worker bees (Apis mellifera adansoni L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on honey and comb production.

Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effect on honey production and population growth of foraging worker bees when the non-foraging and foraging worker bees Apis mellifera adansoni L were fed with banana paste and when foraging bees were converted to nonforagers by inducing undertaker and nursing care behaviour in apiaries set up in the Teaching and Research Farm of Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife from December 2006 to February, 2008. Four apiaries were set up and three 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 colonized hives were selected from each apiary and labelled A ,A , A , B ,B , B ,C , C and C and D , 2 3 1 2 3 D and D constituted as control hives. Bee colonies in hives A ,A and A were fed with banana 1 2 3 paste, nursing care function was induced in hives B ,B and B and undertaker duty was induced in hives 1 2 3 C ,C and C . The census of the foraging worker bees in all hives were carried out at intervals of 70 1 2 3 ±5 days using the Capture-mark and recapture method (Lincoln’s index). In colonies A ,A and A , the 1 2 3 mean foragers population was 9,324 ± 256 and the honey yield was 16.24 ± 0.54 kg, in B ,B and B 1 2 the mean foragers population was 6,714 ± 256 and honey yield was 6.03 ± 0.29 kg while in C , C and 3, C the foragers population was 5,466 ± 256 and the honey yield was 7.02 ± 0.29 kg. In the control hives the mean population of foraging workers was 8,670 ± 256 and honey yield was 13.13 ± 0.14 kg. There were significant differences between the means of population of foraging worker bees (F =1028.50, df = 11, P < 0.005) and honey produced (F = 238.82, df = 11, P < 0.005). There is no significant correlation between the weights of combs produced and foragers population.

Development of a Precision Mite Management Program for the Control of the Ectoparasite Varroa destructor in Hives of Apis mellifera L.

Abstract: The European honey bee, Apis mellifera, is an important pollinator of horticultural and agricultural field crops, providing ≈ 90% of all commercial pollination services (Genersch et al. 2010). The recent rise in colony loss due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been a source of concern for both beekeepers and the apiculture industry. One of the factors implicated in CCD is infestation by the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Initial efforts to control the mite relied heavily on regular application of miticides without regard to actual mite infestation levels. This approach has led to problems of resistance in the mite and contamination of the hive and hive-products. Because it is unlikely that miticides will be removed as an option for mite management, a precision mite management (PMM) approach using information on the spatiotemporal distribution of the mite to improve sampling and treatments is seen as a viable option, particularly with respect to treatment costs and impacts on the environment. The primary objective of this study was to develop an understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of the Varroa mite and bee brood within hives for the purpose of developing a PMM approach for the mite. Varroa mite populations were sampled from May to June, 2012 and February to October, 2013. Sampling was conducted with three commonly used sampling methods: soapy water roll (SWR), brood uncapping, and a modified sticky board; brood uncapping, however, was discontinued during the study due to hive the labor cost and harmful effects of this method to the hives. Similar trends in mite population levels were observed using the soapy water roll and

Selecting for varroa Resistance in German Honey Bees

Abstract: A robust trade in honey bee queens from different European countries began around 1870, in close association with the adoption of moveable frame hives in Germany. Within a few decades, the country ...