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Published on: August 26, 2020
Developing a method to rear Varroa destructor in vitro
Brynn L Johnson1, Cody Prouty2, Cameron J Jack2
1Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, FL, USA. brynnjohnson@ufl.edu.
Abstract:
Varroa destructor is a significant mite pest of western honey bees (Apis mellifera). Developing a method to rear and maintain populations of V. destructor in vitro would provide year-round access to the mites, allowing scientists to study their biology, behavior, and control more rapidly. In this study, we determined the impact of various rearing parameters on V. destructor survival and reproduction in vitro. This was done by collecting V. destructor from colonies, placing them in gelatin capsules containing honey bee larvae, and manipulating the following conditions experimentally: rearing temperature, colony source of honey bee larva, behavioral/developmental stages of V. destructor and honey bee larva, and mite:bee larva ratio. Varroa destructor survival was significantly impacted by temperature, colony source of larvae and mite behavioral stage. In addition, V. destructor reproduction was significantly impacted by mite: larva ratio, larval developmental stage, colony source of larva, and temperature. The following conditions optimized mite survival and reproduction in vitro: using a 4:1 mite:larva ratio, beginning the study with late stage uncapped larvae, using mites collected from adult bees, maintaining the rearing temperature at 34.5° C, and screening larval colony source. Ultimately, this research can be used to improve V. destructor in vitro rearing programs.
Insights
Optimizing in vitro rearing of Varroa destructor mites, a key honey bee pest, requires specific conditions. This research identifies optimal temperature, mite-to-larva ratio, and developmental stages for improved mite survival and reproduction.
Area of Science:
- * Entomology
- * Apiculture
- * Pest Management
Background:
- * Varroa destructor is a major parasitic mite affecting western honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- * Current limitations in year-round access to mites hinder research on their biology, behavior, and control.
- * Developing in vitro rearing methods is crucial for accelerated scientific study.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the impact of various rearing parameters on Varroa destructor survival and reproduction in vitro.
- * To identify optimal conditions for successful in vitro rearing of V. destructor populations.
- * To facilitate year-round access to mites for enhanced research.
Main Methods:
- * Collection of V. destructor mites from honey bee colonies.
- * Rearing mites in gelatin capsules with honey bee larvae under manipulated conditions.
- * Experimental variables included: rearing temperature, honey bee larva source, mite/larva behavioral/developmental stages, and mite:larva ratio.
Main Results:
- * Mite survival was significantly influenced by temperature, larva source, and mite behavioral stage.
- * Mite reproduction was significantly affected by mite:larva ratio, larva developmental stage, larva source, and temperature.
- * Optimal conditions identified: 4:1 mite:larva ratio, late-stage uncapped larvae, mites from adult bees, 34.5° C, and screened larva source.
Conclusions:
- * Specific environmental and biological parameters significantly impact V. destructor survival and reproduction in vitro.
- * Established optimal conditions can enhance the efficiency of in vitro rearing programs.
- * Improved in vitro rearing will accelerate research into Varroa destructor biology and control strategies.
