Integrated Management of Tracheal Mite, Acarapis woodi, and of Varroa Mite, Varroa jacobsoni, Major Pests of Honey Bees

Objectives: The Israeli work plan regarding HBTM included: (a) producing a better diagnostic method; (b) following infestations during the season and evaluating damage to resistant bees and, (c) controlling HBTM by conventional means under local conditions. For varroa our plans to try novel control (e.g. oil novel control (e.g. oil patties & essential oils) were initially delayed by very low pest populations, then disrupted by the emergence of fluvalinate resistance. We monitored the spread of resistance to understand it better, and analyzed an underlying biochemical resistance mechanism in varroa. The US work plan focused on novel management methods for both mites with an emphasis on reducing use of traditional insecticides due to resistance and contamination issues. Objectives were: (a) evaluating plant essential oils for varroa control; (b) exploring the vulnerability of varroa to desiccation for their management; and (c) looking for biological variation in HBTM that could explain virulence variability between colonies. Although the initial PI at the USDA Beltsville Bee Lab, W.A. Bruce, retired during the project we made significant strides especially on varroa water balance. Subcontracts were performed by Yoder (Illinois College) on varroa water balance and DeGrandi-Hoffman (USDA) who evaluated plant essential oils for their potential to control varroa. We devised an IPM strategy for mite control i the U.S. Background: Mites that parasitize honey bees are a global problem. They are threatening the survival of managed and feral bees, the well-being of commercial/hobby beekeeping, and due to pollination, the future of some agricultural commodities is threatened. Specific economic consequences of these mites are that: (a) apiculture/breeder business are failing; (b) fewer colonies exist; (c) demand and cost for hive leasing are growing; (d) incidences of bee pathogens are increasing; and, (e) there are ore problems with commercial-reared bees. As a reflection of the continued significance f bee mites, a mite book is now in press (Webster & delaplane, 2000); and the 2nd International Conference on Africanized Honey Bees and Bee Mites is scheduled (April, 2000, Arizona). The first such conference was at OSU (1987, GRN was co-organizer). The major challenge is controlling two very different mites within a colony while not adversely impacting the hive. Colony management practices vary, as do the laws dictating acaricide use. Our basic postulates were that: (a) both mites are of economic importance with moderate to high infestations but not at low rates and, (b) once established they will not be eradicated. A novel strategy was devised that deals with the pests concomitantly by maintaining populations at low levels, without unnecessary recourse to synthetic acaricides. Major Conclusions, Solutions, Achievements: A major recent revelation is that there are several species of "Varroa jacobsoni" (Anderson & Trueman 1999). Work on control, resistance, population dynamics, and virulence awaits knowing whether this is a problem. In the U.S. there was no difference between varroa from three locales in terms of water balance parameters (AZ, MN & PA), which bodes well for our work to date. Winter varroa (U.S.) were more prone to desiccation than during other seasons. Varroa sensitivity to desiccation has important implications for improving IPM. Several botanicals showed some promise for varroa control (thymol & origanum). Unfortunately there is varroa resistance to Apistan in Israel but a resistance mechanism was detected for the first time. The Israel team also has a new method for HBTM diagnosis. Annual tracheal mite population trends in Israel were characterized, which will help in targeting treatment. Effects of HBTM on honey yields were shown. HBTM control by Amitraz was demonstrated for at least 6 months. Showing partial resistance by Buckfast bees to HBTM will be an important IPM tactic in Israel and U.S.