Abstract

MAYA-MARTINEZ, Omar et al. Seasonal treatment with amitraz against Varroa destructor and its effects in honey bee colonies of Apis mellifera. Abanico vet [online]. 2020, vol.10, e129.  Epub Mar 02, 2021. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2020.38.

The objective of this work was to determine the amitraz treatment effect against Varroa destructor on the population and food reserves of honeybee colonies, during the four seasons of the year in Mexico's central high plateau. 48 colonies with similar sister queens, homogeneous populations, food reserves, and Varroa infestation levels were used.12 colonies received acaricidal treatment in the summer, 12 in winter, 12 in summer and winter, and 12 were untreated. The Varroa infestation levels were determined in adult bees, worker brood, and by mites on the hives' floor for one year. The adult bee population, capped brood area, honey, pollen, and colony weight were also evaluated. There were statistical differences (P<0.05) between the Varroa levels on treatments. Ending the experiment (spring) the infestation level in colonies treated in summer (602 ± 114) and not treated (416 ± 86) were higher (P = 0.0002) than those treated in summer and winter (109±50), or only in winter (100±42), between which, there were no statistical differences. However, there were no significant effects of the treatments on population bees, food stores, and weight. The winter treatment was sufficient to control Varroa infestation in colonies located in Mexico's central high plateau.

Keywords : Varroa destructor; honey bees; amitraz; bee population; food stores.

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