Seasonal Variation of Ectoparasite Mite Varroa Destructor Anderson and Trueman, 2000 on Apis Cerana Fabricius, 1793 in Madanpokhara, Palpa, Nepal

Abstract

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor is the largest threat to apiculture and honey bee health world-wide. A. cerana Fabricius is endemic to most of Asia where it has been used for honey production and pollination services for thousands of years. Varroa destructor is most important enemy and ectoparasitic mite that feeds on the hemolymph of adult and immature honey bees that has been recorded to have causal devastation to honeybee population. The results of this present study highlighted the seasonal variation of Varroa destructor in A. cerana colony in Madanpokhara Palpa, Nepal. The study was carried out at two sites as new hive and old, new mixed types of hives in Madanpokhara, Palpa. A total of 498 Varroa mites were counted at site 1 (279) and site 2 (219). The highest number of Varroa mite were observed in March and the lowest in September at the both sites. The population was gradually decreased in April, May and increased in June and July. The population again decreased in September and October at both sites. Population of Varroa was significantly different at both sites with p-value 0.002756 (df 2,24) and 0.002581 (df 2,24) respectively. The population was observed higher in brood cell and lower in adult bees. Relationship between the population of mite with inner hive temperature and outer temperature showed significant different with p-value of 0.64 and 0.17 respectively. Population of mite with inner hive humidity and outer humidity showed significant with p-value of 0.022 and 0.051 respectively at site 1. Relationship between population of mite with inner hive temperature and outer temperature showed significant difference of p-value of 0.83 and 0.47 respectively. The population of mite with inner hive humidity and outer humidity showed p-value of 0.15 and 0.39 respectively at site 2 respectively. Possible solutions to the threat of Varroa are discussed, which may offer a sustainable long-term solution, and the need for better general beekeeping techniques that reduce the use of chemical treatments and inhibit the spread of disease.