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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #64974
Title: TRACHEAL MITES

Author
item Wilson, William
item PETTIS, JEFF - SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
item HENDERSON, CAROL - SAN JOSE CITY COLLEGE
item MORSE, ROGER - CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/25/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Interest in the tracheal mite remains high among scientists and beekeepers due to the economic damage caused by heavy infestations in honey bees. The loss of honey bee colonies can be devastating to commercial beekeepers in northern states during winter and early spring. As a textbook topic, a wide range of readers have a strong need for up-to-date information, and the subject is popular because of economic ties. The chapter covers many aspects of the tracheal mite from the historical background, to diagnosis and to mite-resistant stocks of bees. However, the most improved topics (compared to the two earlier editions of the textbook) are those on mite biology, parasite dispersal and chemical control. These topics have changed rapidly and extensively in the past 5 years and there is an acute need for the information. The bibliography has also been greatly expanded and updated.

Technical Abstract: Since the discovery of the tracheal mite (Acarapis woodi) in North America in 1980, it has spread across three countries (Mexico, United States, and Canada) causing widespread damage to honey bees. The most serious losses have been in northern climates. In response to the damage, major research efforts by universities and governmental agencies have produced much needed dinformation, especially on mite control. Much of this information is useful, but not readily available to teachers, extension personnel and commercial beekeepers. The following textbook chapter covers the subject in a comprehensive manner that will be understandable and of considerable interest to a wide range of readers. Although the chapter gives no recommendations, it does review research discoveries from many parts of the world through an extensive bibliography. The information will be useful in teaching, methods and treatment reviews, and policy making. In some subject areas such as mite biology, population dynamics and chemical control compounds, the amount of beneficial information has increased greatly. The new information is being made available through this chapter.