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Marsky U, Rognon B, Douablin A, Viry A, Rodríguez Ramos MA, Hammaidi A. Amitraz Resistance in French Varroa Mite Populations-More Complex Than a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism. INSECTS 2024; 15:390. [PMID: 38921105 PMCID: PMC11203491 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Resistance against amitraz in Varroa mite populations has become a subject of interest in recent years due to the increasing reports of the reduced field efficacy of amitraz treatments, especially from some beekeepers in France and the United States. The loss of amitraz as a reliable tool to effectively reduce Varroa mite infestation in the field could severely worsen the position of beekeepers in the fight to keep Varroa infestation rates in their colonies at low levels. In this publication, we present data from French apiaries, collected in the years 2020 and 2021. These data include the field efficacy of an authorized amitraz-based Varroa treatment (Apivar® ,Véto-pharma, France) and the results of laboratory sensitivity assays of Varroa mites exposed to the reference LC90 concentration of amitraz. In addition, a total of 240 Varroa mites from Eastern, Central, and Southern regions in France that were previously classified as either "sensitive" or "resistant" to amitraz in a laboratory sensitivity assay were genotyped. The genetic analyses of mite samples are focused on the β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor, which is considered as the main target site for amitraz in Varroa mites. Special attention was paid to a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 260 of the ORβ-2R-L gene that was previously associated to amitraz resistance in French Varroa mites, Varroa. Our findings confirm that amitraz resistance occurs in patches or "islands of resistance", with a less severe reduction in treatment efficacy compared to pyrethroid resistance or coumaphos resistance in Varroa mites. The results of our genetic analyses of Varroa mites call into question the hypothesis of the SNP at position 260 of the ORβ-2R-L gene being directly responsible for amitraz resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Marsky
- Véto-Pharma, 12 Rue de la Croix Martre, 91120 Palaiseau, France;
| | | | | | - Alain Viry
- LDA39, Laboratoire Départemental d’Analyses du Jura, 59 Rue du Vieil Hôpital, 39800 Poligny, France
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Bahreini R, Docherty C, Feindel D, Muirhead S. Comparing the efficacy of synthetic Varroacides and Varroa destructor phenotypic resistance using Apiarium and Mason jar bioassay techniques. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1577-1592. [PMID: 37974358 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a major threat for honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Beekeepers have used synthetic Varroacides against Varroa mite for decades, but resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and formamidine has been reported in many locations worldwide. The goals of this study were to develop a reliable bioassay to assess efficacy and phenotypic resistance to commercial Varroacides. In this study, efficacy and Varroa resistance was evaluated using the Apiarium technique in comparison to the Mason jar method. RESULTS Among tested Varroacides, a high efficacy (89%) for Apivar was identified when compared to Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%) and CheckMite (6%), in a 24 h assessment. We also found that CheckMite was toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. In addition, the Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated. CONCLUSION A laboratory protocol was developed using the Apiarium method to evaluate Apivar efficacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and determine the presence of phenotypic resistance in V. destructor. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassol Bahreini
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Cassandra Docherty
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, Canada
| | - David Feindel
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Samantha Muirhead
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, Canada
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Hazam S, Touati S, Touati L, Saher L, Khedidji H, Ait Kaki S, Chemat S. Promising Algerian essential oils as natural acaricides against the honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:87-107. [PMID: 38015279 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00866-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Varroosis induced by Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman represents the most pathogenic and destructive disease affecting the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. In this study, we investigated the acaricidal activity against the Varroa mite using essential oils (EOs) from the aerial parts of four autochthonous Algerian herbal species, namely Artemisia herba alba, Artemisia campestris, Artemisia judaica and Ruta montana. EOs were obtained by means of hydrodistillation and their composition was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The toxicity of the selected EOs toward V. destructor and A. mellifera adult honey bees was evaluated using the complete exposure method. The results indicate the predominance of davanone (66.9%) in A. herba alba, β-pinene (19.5%) in A. campestris, piperitone (68.7%) in A. judaica and 2-undecanone (70.1%) in R. montana EOs. Interestingly, the LC50 values coupled to bee mortality rates revealed that all tested oils exhibited significant acaricidal efficiency with selectivity ratio (SR) values of 10.77, 8.78, 5.62 and 3.73 for A. campestris, A. judaica, A. herba alba, and R. montana, respectively. These values were better than that of thymol (SR = 3.65), the positive control. These findings suggest that these EOs could be used as plant-derived veterinary acaricides to control varroosis in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad Hazam
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria.
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria.
| | - Salem Touati
- Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative of Tizi-Ouzou (CAPTO), Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria
| | - Lounis Touati
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
| | - Liza Saher
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
| | - Hassiba Khedidji
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Sabrina Ait Kaki
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Smain Chemat
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
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Kovačić M, Uzunov A, Tlak Gajger I, Pietropaoli M, Soroker V, Adjlane N, Benko V, Charistos L, Dall’Olio R, Formato G, Hatjina F, Malagnini V, Freda F, Otmi A, Puškadija Z, Villar C, Büchler R. Honey vs. Mite-A Trade-Off Strategy by Applying Summer Brood Interruption for Varroa destructor Control in the Mediterranean Region. INSECTS 2023; 14:751. [PMID: 37754719 PMCID: PMC10531922 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of queen caging on honey bee colonies' post-treatment development and the optimal timing of method application on honey production during the main summer nectar flow. We conducted the study in nine apiaries (N = 9) across six Mediterranean countries, with a total of 178 colonies. The colonies were divided into three test groups: QC1, QC2, and C. The QC1 group involved queens caged for a total of 28 days before the expected harvesting day. In the QC2 group, queens were caged for 28 days, but only 14 days before the expected harvesting day. The C group consisted of queens that were not caged, and the colonies received common local treatments. In both the QC1 and QC2 groups, the colonies were treated with a 4.2% oxalic acid (OA) solution by trickling after the queen release. Our findings revealed no significant adverse effects (p > 0.05) on colony strength at the end of the study resulting from queen caging. However, significantly lower amounts of honey were extracted from the QC1 group compared to both the QC2 group (p = 0.001) and the C group (p = 0.009). Although there were no initial differences in Varroa destructor infestation between the groups, ten weeks later, a significantly higher infestation was detected in the C group compared to both the QC1 group (p < 0.01) and the QC2 group (p = 0.003). Overall, our study demonstrates that queen caging, in combination with the use of OA, is an effective treatment for controlling V. destructor. However, the timing of caging plays a crucial role in honey production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Kovačić
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, V. Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.K.); (Z.P.)
| | - Aleksandar Uzunov
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ivana Tlak Gajger
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova ul. 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Marco Pietropaoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, 68 HaMacabim Road, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (V.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Noureddine Adjlane
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Boumerdes, 35000 Boumerdes, Algeria;
| | - Valerija Benko
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova ul. 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Leonidas Charistos
- Department of Apiculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos “DIMITRA”, 63 200 Nea Moudania, Greece; (L.C.); (F.H.)
| | | | - Giovanni Formato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Fani Hatjina
- Department of Apiculture, Institute of Animal Sciences, Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos “DIMITRA”, 63 200 Nea Moudania, Greece; (L.C.); (F.H.)
| | - Valeria Malagnini
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Trasferimento Tecnologico, Via E. Mach, 1 San Michele all’Adige, 38098 Trento, Italy; (V.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Fabrizio Freda
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Centro Trasferimento Tecnologico, Via E. Mach, 1 San Michele all’Adige, 38098 Trento, Italy; (V.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Asaf Otmi
- Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, 68 HaMacabim Road, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel; (V.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Zlatko Puškadija
- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, V. Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.K.); (Z.P.)
| | - Claudio Villar
- Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla La Mancha, 02600 Albacete, Spain;
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Giorgini M, Taroncher M, Tolosa J, Ruiz MJ, Rodríguez-Carrasco Y. Amitraz and Its Metabolites: Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells and Study of Their Stability and Characterization in Honey. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040885. [PMID: 37107260 PMCID: PMC10135312 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The population decrease of bees that has been observed in recent years due to the Varroa destructor parasite may endanger the production of bee-products whose demand is on the rise. To minimize the negative effects caused by this parasite, the pesticide amitraz is commonly used by beekeepers. Based on these, the objectives of this work are to determine the toxic effects caused by amitraz and its metabolites in HepG2 cells, as well as its determination in honey samples and the study of its stability with different heat treatments commonly used in the honey industry and its relationship with the amount of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) produced. Amitraz significantly decreased cell viability by MTT assay and total protein content (PC) assay, being more cytotoxic than its metabolites. Amitraz and its metabolites caused oxidative stress by Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) production and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. Residues of amitraz and/or its metabolites were found in analyzed honey samples, with 2,4-Dimethylaniline (2,4-DMA) being the main metabolite confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF HRMS). Amitraz and its metabolites resulted as unstable even at moderate heat treatments. Additionally, a positive correlation in terms of HMF concentration in samples and the severity of heat treatment was also observed. However, quantified amitraz and HMF were within the levels set in the regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuce Giorgini
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Taroncher
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josefa Tolosa
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-José Ruiz
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yelko Rodríguez-Carrasco
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Li M, Bao Y, Xu R, Zhang X, La H, Guo J. Mechanism of enhanced sensitivity of mutated β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor to amitraz in honeybee Apis mellifera: An insight from MD simulations. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:5423-5431. [PMID: 36057136 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amitraz is one of the critical acaricides/insecticides for effective control of pest infestation of Varroa destructor mite, a devastating parasite of Apis mellifera, because of its low toxicity to honeybees. Previous assays verified that a typical G protein-coupled receptor, β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor (Octβ2R), is the unique target of amitraz, but the honeybee Octβ2R resists to amitraz. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the enhanced sensitivity or toxicity of amitraz to mutated honeybee Octβ2RE208V/I335T/I350V is not fully understood. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to explore the implied mechanism of the enhanced sensitivity to amitraz in mutant honeybee Octβ2R. RESULTS We found that amitraz binding stabilized the structure of Octβ2R, particularly the intracellular loop 3 associated with the Octβ2R signaling. Then, it was further demonstrated that both mutations and ligand binding resulted in a more rigid and compact amitraz binding site, as well as the outward movement of the transmembrane helix 6, which was a prerequisite for G protein coupling and activation. Moreover, mutations were found to promote the binding between Octβ2R and amitraz. Finally, community analysis illuminated that mutations and amitraz strengthened the residue-residue communication within the transmembrane domain, which might facilitate the allosteric signal propagation and activation of Octβ2R. CONCLUSION Our results unveiled structural determinants of improved sensitivity in the Octβ2R-amitraz complex and may contribute to further structure-based drug design for safer and less toxic selective insecticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqiong Bao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honggui La
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Engineering Research Centre of Applied Technology on Machine Translation and Artificial Intelligence, Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Science, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China
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Almecija G, Schimmerling M, Del Cont A, Poirot B, Duquesne V. Varroa destructor resistance to tau-fluvalinate: relationship between in vitro phenotypic test and VGSC L925V mutation. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:5097-5105. [PMID: 36103265 PMCID: PMC9826128 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite of the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Its presence in colonies can lead to a collapse within a few years. The use of acaricides has become essential to manage the hive infestation. However, the repeated and possibly incorrect use of acaricide treatments, as tau-fluvalinate, has led to the development of resistance. The in vitro phenotypic test allows the proportion of susceptible or resistant individuals to be known following an exposure to an active substance. In Varroa mites, resistance to tau-fluvalinate is associated with the presence of mutations at the position 925 of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC). RESULTS Here, we compared the results obtained with an in vitro phenotypic test against tau-fluvalinate and those obtained with an allelic discrimination assay on 13 treated and untreated Varroa populations in France. The correlation between the phenotype and the genetic profile rate is found to be 0.89 Varroa mites having resistant phenotypic profile have a probability of 63% to present the L925V mutation (resistance detection reliability). However, 97% of the Varroa mites having the susceptible phenotype do not present the L925V mutation (susceptible detection reliability). CONCLUSION The L925V mutation explains most of the resistance to tau-fluvalinate in V. destructor in the populations tested. However, other mutations or types of resistance may also be involved to explain the survival of Varroa mites in the phenotypic test. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marion Schimmerling
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Bee Pathology UnitSophia AntipolisFrance
| | - Aurélie Del Cont
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Bee Pathology UnitSophia AntipolisFrance
| | - Benjamin Poirot
- Apinov, Scientific Beekeeping and Training CentreLagordFrance
| | - Véronique Duquesne
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Bee Pathology UnitSophia AntipolisFrance
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von Virag A, Guichard M, Neuditschko M, Dietemann V, Dainat B. Decreased Mite Reproduction to Select Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) Resistant Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae): Limitations and Potential Methodological Improvements. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:695-705. [PMID: 35380682 PMCID: PMC9175287 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive parasitic mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), is the major biotic threat to the survival of European honey bees, Apis mellifera L. To improve colony survival against V. destructor, the selection of resistant lineages against this parasite is considered a sustainable solution. Among selected traits, mite fertility and fecundity, often referred to as suppressed mite reproduction are increasingly used in breeding programmes. However, the current literature leaves some gaps in the assessment of the effectiveness of selecting these traits toward achieving resistance. In the population studied here, we show a low repeatability and reproducibility of mite fertility and fecundity phenotypes, as well as a low correlation of these traits with infestation rates of colonies. Phenotyping reliability could neither be improved by increasing the number of worker brood cells screened, nor by screening drone brood, which is highly attractive for the parasite and available early in the season, theoretically allowing a reduction of generation time and thus an acceleration of genetic progress in selected lineages. Our results provide an evaluation of the potential and limitations of selecting on decreased mite reproduction traits to obtain V. destructor-resistant honeybee colonies. To allow for a more precise implementation of such selection and output reporting, we propose a refined nomenclature by introducing the terms of decreased mite reproduction and reduced mite reproduction, depending on the extent of mite reproduction targeted. We also highlight the importance of ensuring accurate phenotyping ahead of initiating long-lasting selection programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vincent Dietemann
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL-Sorge, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Almecija G, Poirot B, Ventelon M, Suppo C. Modelling the impact of Apivar treatment on a Varroa mite population and the influence of resistance. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:831-840. [PMID: 34738296 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varroa destructor is a parasite of honeybees. It causes biological damage leading to the colony collapse in the absence of treatment. In recent years, acaricide resistance has emerged in Varroa mites, leading to a decrease in treatment efficacy. We modelled the action of Apivar (amitraz) treatment, using three input parameters: treatment duration, treatment period, and daily mortality due to the treatment. The output parameters were cumulative mite mortality during treatment, the residual number of Varroa mites, and treatment efficacy, expressed as a percentage. RESULTS The model was validated by monitoring efficacy in the field, in 36 treated hives. According to the model, treatment in the absence of brood is optimal. For a long period without egg laying during the winter, an initial infestation of 100 mites and a start date for treatment of August 7, a minimal treatment efficacy of 98.8% is required for stabilization of the mite population for year to year. More effective treatment is associated with lower cumulative numbers of dead Varroa mites over the entire treatment period. Thus, the total number of dead mites observed during the monitoring of field efficacy provides information about more than just the initial level of colony infestation. The proportion of resistant mites can be modelized by a decrease of daily mortality rate influencing treatment efficacy. Management of the initial Varroa mite infestation of the colony by the beekeeper can compensate for the decrease in treatment efficacy for resistance thresholds of up to 40% of resistant mites. CONCLUSION Treatment efficacy depends on several parameters, including initial level of infestation, treatment period and the presence of acaricide resistance. Amitraz resistance may lead to treatment failure, even if the beekeeper is able to keep initial infestation rates low. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Almecija
- Apinov, Scientific Beekeeping & Training Center, 10 rue Henri Bessemer, Lagord, France
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7621, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Benjamin Poirot
- Apinov, Scientific Beekeeping & Training Center, 10 rue Henri Bessemer, Lagord, France
| | - Marie Ventelon
- Association for the Development of Beekeeping in Auvergne Rhônes Alpes (ADA AURA), Aubière, France
| | - Christelle Suppo
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7621, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
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Jack CJ, Ellis JD. Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6. [PMID: 34536080 PMCID: PMC8449538 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is among the greatest biological threats to western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health worldwide. Beekeepers routinely use chemical treatments to control this parasite, though overuse and mismanagement of these treatments have led to widespread resistance in Varroa populations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based, sustainable approach to pest management that relies on a combination of control tactics that minimize environmental impacts. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of the components of IPM in a Varroa control context. These include determining economic thresholds for the mite, identification of and monitoring for Varroa, prevention strategies, and risk conscious treatments. Furthermore, we provide a detailed review of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, both longstanding and emerging, used against Varroa globally. For each control type, we describe all available treatments, their efficacies against Varroa as described in the primary scientific literature, and the obstacles to their adoption. Unfortunately, reliable IPM protocols do not exist for Varroa due to the complex biology of the mite and strong reliance on chemical control by beekeepers. To encourage beekeeper adoption, a successful IPM approach to Varroa control in managed colonies must be an improvement over conventional control methods and include cost-effective treatments that can be employed readily by beekeepers. It is our intention to provide the most thorough review of Varroa control options available, ultimately framing our discussion within the context of IPM. We hope this article is a call-to-arms against the most damaging pest managed honey bee colonies face worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Application of the Natural Products NOZEMAT HERB and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS Can Decrease Honey Bee Colonies Losses during the Winter. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13060228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are crucial pollinators for many crops and natural ecosystems. However, honey bee colonies have been experiencing heavy overwinter mortality in almost all parts of the world. In the present study we have investigatеd, for the first time, the effects from the application of the herbal supplements NOZEMAT HERB® (NH) and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS® (NHP) on overwintering honey bee colony survival and on total protein and lysozyme content. To achieve this, in early autumn 2019, 45 colonies were selected and treated with these herbal supplements. The total protein and lysozyme content were evaluated after administration of NH and NHP twice the following year (June and September 2020). The obtained results have shown that both supplements have a positive effect on overwintering colony survival. Considerable enhancement in longevity of “winter bees” has been observed after the application of NHP, possibly due to the increased functionality of the immune system and antioxidant detoxification capacity. Although the mechanisms of action of NH and NHP are yet to be completely elucidated, our results suggest a new holistic approach on overwintering honey bee colony survival and welfare.
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12
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New bioassay cage methodology for in vitro studies on Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250594. [PMID: 33901245 PMCID: PMC8075223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, is an ectoparasitic mite of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., that has been considered a major cause of colony losses. Synthetic miticides have been developed and registered to manage this ectoparasite, however, resistance to registered pyrethroid and organophosphate Varroacides have already been reported in Canada. To test toxicity of miticides, current contact-based bioassay methods are designed to evaluate mites and bees separately, however, these methods are unlikely to give an accurate depiction of how miticides interact at the colony level. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a bioassay cage for testing the toxicity of miticides on honey bees and Varroa mites simultaneously using amitraz as a reference chemical. A 800 mL polypropylene plastic cage holding 100-150 bees was designed and officially named "Apiarium". A comparison of the effects of three subsequent dilutions of amitraz was conducted on: Varroa mites placed in glass vials, honey bees in glass Mason jars, and Varroa-infested bees in Apiariums. Our results indicated cumulative Varroa mortality was dose-dependent in the Apiarium after 4 h and 24 h assessments. Apiarium and glass vial treatments at 24 h also had high mite mortality and a positive polynomial regression between Varroa mortality and amitraz dose rates. Moreover, chemical application in the Apiarium was less toxic for bees compared to the Mason jar method. Considering these results, the Apiarium bioassay provides a simple, cheap and reliable method for simultaneous chemical screening on V. destructor and A. mellifera. Furthermore, as mites and bees are tested together, the Apiarium simulates a colony-like environment that provides a necessary bridge between laboratory bioassay testing and full field experimentation. The versatility of the Apiarium allows researchers to test a multitude of different honey bee bioassay experiments including miticide screening, delivery methods for chemical products, or development of new mite resistance-testing methodology.
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