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.

Comparison of population monitoring techniques for the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor in honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract: The ectoparasite mite Varroa destructor is the most serious pest of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). In developing integrated mite management system, monitoring is the first priority. Here, we compared the sugar shaking and sticky board methods for the precise and efficient monitoring of varroa mite. Further, the distribution of varroa mite inside the hive was studied. Along with varroa mite and honeybee colony monitoring, we proposed an economic injury level and action threshold. The sugar shake method was more sensitive, reliable, and efficient regarding cost and labor. Between these two methods, mite densities were significantly correlated with r²=0.815. Between the bottom and super chambers of the hive, mite densities were not different. Even though there was no difference in mite density between each comb, mite densities were significantly higher in the middle part of the comb. The economic injury level of varroa mite in the hive, which was based on the mite densitywhen the honeybee population started to decline, was measured to be 22 per 100 bees by the sugar shake method and 12 per day by the sticky board method. The action threshold was proposed as 11 per 100 bees by sugar shaking and 6 per day by the sticky board method. However, the practical guideline for varroa control is suggested as 5% infestation of varroa mites on adult honeybees in consideration of various uncertainties discussed here.

The antioxidant defense system of Varroa destructor mites facilitates the infestation of Apis mellifera

Abstract: Abstract Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite of the Western honey bee. The activity of five antioxidant enzymes of V. destructor were analysed. Glutathione content and total antioxidant status was also evaluated. Our results suggest that antioxidant enzymes constitute the main line of defense against ROS in V. destructor, whereas low-molecular-weight antioxidants play a limited role in the antioxidant system of mites.

Evaluation of Chemical Susceptibility for the Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Mesostigamata: Varroidae) in Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract: The varroa mite is now a serious threat for the beekeeping industry in the world. Because of the strict regulation of synthetic chemical residues in honeybee products, beekeepers are searching the safe way of pest management to minimize the use of chemicals. In this study, the efficacy of chemicals was tested against varroa mites. The efficacy of chemicals was compared by the whole hive and bioassay kit methods. Among the chemicals, tau-fluvalinate was most effective followed by amitraz and flumethrin. Coumaphos and flavonoid+citric acid showed lower efficacies in summer and fall treatment. Also among the environmentfriendly materials, formic acid and thymol showed the higher efficacies. From the results, it was suggesting that bioassay kit testing is more cost-effective than the whole hive treatment. From this history of beekeepers’ chemical uses, tau-fluvalinate was mostly used and frequency of chemical use was estimated around six to ten per year. Further research involvement in chemical efficacy testing was discussed.