CONTROL DEL ECTOPARÁSITO Varroa destructor (Varroidae) EN Apis mellifera L. (Apidae)

Abstract

Varroa destructoris an acarus that affects the colonies of Apis mellifera, causing marked economic losses around the world. This investigation determined the effectiveness of sugar solution with or without oxalic acid to control the acarus infestation in colonies of Africanized Apis mellifera. Ten Langstroth-type hives were selected; every treatment was applied four times on seven-day intervals. The initial and fi nal infestation levels were determined in the phoretic state of the colonies and the effectiveness level from every treatment. The use of oxalic acid showed better results and effi ciency to control the V. destructorin Africanized Apis melliferacolonies, although the colonies were signifi cantly weakened. Sugar solution application can be considered a medium impact alternative to control the V. destructor, although it is important to conduct further research focused on evaluating the different dosages, frequencies, and concentrations of sugar solution as a strategy to defi nitely control the acarus.