Acarologia (2003) 43, 249-254

J.A. Marcangeli (2003)
Respuesta de la abeja melifera, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) frente a la presencia del ácaro ectoparasito Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). I. Los comportamientos higiénicos
Acarologia 43 (3), 249-254
Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the increase rate of Varroa destructor in two groups of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera mellifera x Apis mellifera ligustica): a) 3 hygienic colonies and b) 3 non hygienic. The number of mites in brood cells was significative higher in non hygienic colonies than in hygienic ones (Chi², p<0.05). However, the increase rates were no different in all six colonies selected for this study (Chi², p<0.05). Detected mites are removed by honeybees and their reproductive cycle are stopped. If mites are not detected, they can normally complete their reproduction. At present, the hygienic behaviour does not represent an efficient control method. This behavioural strategy only decreases the speed of mite population growth and the colonies will die if any chemical control method is not applied.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Spanish)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
population dynamics/ epidemiology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Varroa destructor		Argentina