Identification, management and control of the Varroa destructor mite

Integrated Management of Varroa destructor in beekeeping production systems

Thematic area:
Integrated management of the productive system
Productive system:
Beekeeping
Geographic coverage:
National

Integrated Management of Varroa destructor in beekeeping production systems

Description

This technological offer provides beekeepers in Colombia and technical assistants with tools to identify infestation levels, management strategies, and mite control.

Worldwide, varroasis is recognized as limiting beekeeping production, causing enormous losses in apiaries and making the control of the mite necessary. This parasite causes a decrease in the hive's productivity since the mite sucks the fatty bodies and hemolymph in larvae and adults, thus, suppressing their immune system, and is a vector of viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases.

Infestation levels in adult bees above 2% and up to 5% should encourage the decision to control the mite. However, it is necessary to consider factors such as the bee breed, whether it is a hybrid, the sampling season, and environmental conditions.

Considering that in the country, the predominant bee is the Africanized type, as it has proven to be more tolerant to various pests and diseases than the European type, it can be considered that a sampling carried out before the rainy seasons that exceeds 5% infestation with Varroa makes necessary implementing management and monitoring measures.

AGROSAVIA has been carrying out several works to manage this mite, including standardizing diagnostic methods to identify infestation levels, implementing physical and chemical treatments, and strategies at the genetic level for its reduction.