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In Vitro Rearing of Solitary Bees: A Tool for Assessing Larval Risk Factors
Published on: July 16, 2018
Synergistic interactions between in-hive miticides in Apis mellifera
Reed M Johnson1, Henry S Pollock, May R Berenbaum
1Department of Entomology, 320 Morrill Hall, University of Illinois, 505 S. Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801-3795, USA. rmjohns1@gmail.com
Journal of Economic Entomology
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Varroa mite treatments, coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate, can become more toxic to honey bees when used together. This combination may increase bee mortality, even at low doses.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Pest Management
- Toxicology
Background:
- Varroa destructor is a major honey bee pest.
- Coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate are common in-hive miticides.
- These miticides can accumulate in hive wax, leading to simultaneous bee exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined toxicity of coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate on honey bees.
- To determine if prior exposure to one miticide affects the toxicity of the other.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory study involving 3-day-old honey bees.
- Bees were treated with either coumaphos or tau-fluvalinate.
- Subsequent exposure to the other miticide was assessed.
Main Results:
- Coumaphos pre-treatment significantly increased tau-fluvalinate toxicity.
- Tau-fluvalinate pre-treatment moderately increased coumaphos toxicity.
- Synergistic toxicity observed, likely due to competition for detoxification enzymes.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous presence of coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate in hives can increase honey bee mortality.
- Sublethal doses of one miticide may become lethal in the presence of the other.
- Potential for adverse synergistic effects of commonly used varroa mite treatments.
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