New options for Integrated Pest Management of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in colonies of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) under Canadian Prairie conditions
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Abstract
Varroa destructor Anderson & Truman 2000 (Acari: Varroidae) is an ectoparasite of Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) that is managed using the strategy of Integrated Pest Management to prevent A. mellifera colony mortality. New miticides for the Integrated Pest Management of V. destructor were investigated under laboratory and field conditions. The commercial miticide formulations Apollo®, Floramite®, Forbid®, and Shuttle® caused significant mortality of V. destructor under laboratory conditions, and are candidates for further investigation in colonies of A. mellifera. Field testing of miticides in colonies indicated that Apivar® and formic acid continue to provide effective V. destructor management, that Thymovar® use should be limited to the fall treatment window, and that alteration of the current delivery system is necessary for the new miticide HopGuard™. The results for the laboratory and field trials demonstrate the potential for new effective treatment options to supplement currently used V. destructor Integrated Pest Management systems.