Premium
Effect of oral exposure to the acaricide pirimicarb, a new varroacide candidate, on Apis mellifera feeding rate
Author(s) -
Riva Clémence,
Sokolowski Michel BC,
Normand Julien,
Santos Jana Sopkovade Oliveira,
HalmLemeille MariePierre
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4876
Subject(s) - pirimicarb , acaricide , honey bee , toxicology , biology , varroa destructor , mite , varroa , varroa sensitive hygiene , pesticide , food science , zoology , botany , ecology
BACKGROUND The ectoparasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor is a main cause of the gradual decline in honey bees Apis mellifera . Beekeepers currently utilize a wide range of different synthetic acaricides, organic acids and essential oils to keep mite populations under control. Previous work has indicated that pirimicarb may be a new varroacide candidate. The aim of this study was to observe chronic effects on feeding activity in worker honey bees after oral exposure to 1.05 m m pirimicarb. The long‐term effects of 24 h exposure to pirimicarb were also tested. RESULTS After three successive trials, no mortality could be detected at the tested concentration, although oral exposure to pirimicarb had a significant effect on honey bees feeding behavior. Pirimicarb added to a sucrose solution led to a rapid decrease in food intake. These tendencies may be reversed when the pesticide is removed. However, recovery seemed to be trial dependent. CONCLUSION This study highlights seasonal variation in honey bee susceptibility, which should be considered in toxicology studies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry