Evaluating the Effect of Plants Extracts Against Varroa Mites (Varroa Destructors) of Honeybees (Apis Mellifera)

Abstract

The honeybee is the most useful insect to man but their productive potential is reliant on their health conditions. The mites not only cause economic loss but also cause ecological problems related to the role of honey bees, as they are most vital pollinators of the World. The aim of this study was to evaluate and identify the efficiency of some plant-based biocides to develop alternative method of controlling Varroa destructors that is the safest to hive products. For this purpose, Euclaptus globulus, Calpurnia aurea, Ocimum basilicum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus, Mentha piperita and Ocimum gratissimum were collected, dried under shade and grinded and their oils were extracted by using Soxhlet apparatus and n-hexane as an extractor. The botanical extracted oils were prepared in different concentrations and applied on Varroa destructors and Apis mellifera. The effectiveness of the extracts against the mites and the safety to the honeybees was observed after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Plants extracts showed variable responses to Varroa destructors. Results showed that A. sativum, E. globulus and C. aurea caused 100±0.0 percent mortality on V. destructors after 24 hours. C. citratus extracts of 100 percent dose caused 100+0.0 percent mortality of the mites after application on the mites. C. aurea leaf extract may be safer to A. mellifera. Bio pesticides can be upcoming pest managing healthier choice. The n-hexane extracts of the E. globulus, A. sativum and C. aurea plants had insecticidal effects on the insect pests of bees and could be considered as bioactive candidate for management of the pests.

Keywords: Effectiveness, Honeybee, Plant oils, Varroa destructors

DOI: 10.7176/CMR/14-2-03

Publication date:May 31^st 2022