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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #398772
Research Project: Using Genetics to Improve the Breeding and Health of Honey Bees

Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research

Title: Amitraz resistance, a concern in the U.S. too

Author
item Rinkevich, Frank
item NICOT, EDWIGE - Bee Health
item GIRAUD, FLORENTINE - Bee Health

Submitted to: La Sante de l'Abeille
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2021
Publication Date: 12/5/2021
Citation: Rinkevich Jr, F.D., Nicot, E., Giraud, F. 2021. Amitraz resistance, a concern in the U.S. too. La Sante de l'Abeille. 306:573-577.

Interpretive Summary: In France, a large number of colonies are treated each year, and have been for a long time already, with drugs containing amitraz, sometimes without any form of alternation. The appearance of varroa resistance to this molecule could lead to failures very detrimental treatment for beekeepers and biodiversity, due to mortalities potentially induced. Several studies have been conducted to try to identify defects in treatment efficacy, observed in particular during tests coordinated by FNOSAD, could be linked to the appearance of resistance to amitraz. Some conclude that there are variations in terms of susceptibility within the different populations of varroa mites and this monitoring should be continued and alternatives to massive use of drugs containing this molecule.

Technical Abstract: Varroa desctructor is the single most significant threat to honey bee colonies worldwide. Beekeepers often use miticides to manage Varroa populations. However, overuse and over reliance on these miticides can lead to resistance and the Varroa are no longer able to be controlled. The miticide amitraz has been long used to control Varroa populations. However, beekeepers have reported incidents in which this miticide is no longer useful. This research is focused on measuring the degree and prevalence of amitraz resistance in Varroa mites from across the US but with implications for resistance in other countries. This article discusses some of the similarities and differences of amitraz use for Varroa control in the US and France and what issues beekeepers are facing in light of the rise of amitraz resistant Varroa.