Evaluation of infestation levels of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor infesting honeybee Apis mellifera and its control using essential oil in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Survey study of the ectoparasitic mile Varroa destructor Anderson and Treuman infesting bee colonies was conducted to evaluate its infestation level for the first time in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. The infestation levels were variable according to the season and locality. Mite population parasitizing worker bees gradually increased from April and May and may reach its peak in June and July. Apiaries in Melida-1 presented the highest infestation level and declined significantly in Onayzah-2, Bakeriah and Melida-2 (18 to 13%), while Buraydah-1 and 2 and Onayzah-1 presented only 12% of the total annual mite population, respectively. The mites found on the bottom of bee hives started to increase in February and March and reached the peak during summer months (June-September). Apiaries in Melida-1 significantly recorded the highest level of infestation and followed by Buraydah-1, Onayzah-1 and 2, Bakeriah, Melida-2 (28 to 8%), while Buraydah-2 had the lowest infestation level with only 5% of the total annual mite population, respectively. For contamination of bee products purposes, certain local essential oil, safe to worker bees, including aloa, camphor, garlic, black seed and cloves were extracted in laboratory. Data showed that cloves was the most effective substance causing 62% mortality in Varroa miles, while garlic, camphor and black seed reduced mile infeslalion to 51, 47 and 43% 1 day after treatment, respectively. After 7 days, black seed was more effective than Garlic and camphor where they reduced mite infestation to 72, 66 and 56%, respectively. Aloe extract was the weakest extract causing reduction of only 34 and 45% for 1 and 7 days after treatment. Data showed that mite mortality percentage was positively correlated with time after treatment. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.