Abstract

DAMIANI, Natalia  and  MARCANGELI, Jorge. Control of the parasite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in honeybee colonies of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) applying brood trap combs. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2006, vol.65, n.1-2, pp.33-42. ISSN 0373-5680.

At present, Varroosis is considered the major problem to beekeeping development. The aim of this work was to evaluate brood tramp combs technique as possible control method of mite Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman). Work was done at Coronel Vidal, province of Buenos Aires using Langstroth hives of the local hybrid of Apis mellifera (Linneaus). In each colony, the queen was confined in one brood comb to control queen oviposition. After capped, these combs were taken to the laboratory to uncapp each cell and to examinate the total number of trapped parasites. This technique was applied varying the number of brood tramp combs (1-3) for worker and drone brood cells. Also, the impact of this technique on normal development of the colonies were evaluated by means of its honey production. Results showed that this technique is only effective when three drone brood tramp combs were applied, reaching a total efficacy of 84%. When worker brood combs were used, total efficacy was significant lower (14%). Honey production was significant lower in test colonies compared to control ones. Brood tramp combs technique represent a good alternative method to be combined with other control methods, decreasing the presence of chemical sustances and residues in honey and the possible resistant mite populations.

Keywords : Varroa destructor; Apis mellifera; Control; Trap combs.

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