The Dynamics of Varroa Mite Populations on Honeybee Worker’s Brood and Adults in Three Honeybee Races

Document Type : Original research paper

Authors

1 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt.

3 Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

4 Plant Protection Dept. Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

This study explores the effects of Varroa destructor, a major threat to honeybee populations, on three honeybee hybrids: Apis mellifera lamarckii, A. m. ligustica, and A.m. carnica. It assesses how far the three honeybee hybrids are affected by the infestation of Varroa destructor on the brood and adults' levels. Honeybee colonies were observed, and Varroa infestation was measured using the wheat flour shaking method. Also, Statistical analysis helped determine infestation trends. Generally, Results showed that Egyptian bees “Apis mellifera lamarckii” experienced significant Varroa peaks during the second season, particularly from August to November. Italian bees “Apis mellifera ligustica” had the highest infestation rates in late autumn, whereas Carniolan bees “Apis mellifera carnica” had a more stable but notable infestation pattern. Notably, Apis mellifera lamarckii and Apis mellifera carnica hybrids really had lower Varroa counts in worker brood compared to Apis mellifera ligustica, which had higher counts, especially in the later months. Finally, this study suggests that Apis mellifera lamarckii and Apis mellifera Carnica have better mechanisms for managing Varroa mites than Apis mellifera ligustica, indicating that Apis mellifera ligustica may require more intensive management strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics