Molecular profiling of pathogenic Varroa strains and Tropilaelaps mites in Myanmar honey bees

Honey bee mites are a major threat to the worldwide apiculture, causing substantial losses in honey bee colonies. The present study aimed to detect and characterise mites in honey bee colonies in Myanmar using molecular approaches. We employed PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and DNA sequencing to identify the honey bee mite species present in the region. Our findings indicate the presence of Varroa destructor, Varroa jacobsoni, and Tropilaelaps mercedesae in several honey bee colonies across Myanmar. The phylogenetic analysis revealed close genetic relationships between the V. destructor found in Myanmar and those reported elsewhere in Asia, with all detected V. destructor belonging to the pathogenic Korean (K) haplotype. Additionally, the identified sequences of V. jacobsoni and T. mercedesae were identical to those from Asian countries. This study highlights the necessity of appropriate management measures to control mite infestations of honey bee populations in Myanmar.