Essentials, spadework, objectives

Essentials and spadework

• The Varroa mite is the main reason for the losses of bee colonies during the winter months (Genersch et al., 2010).
• Up to now, there is no biological control method worldwide.
• Our working group has described the copulation behaviour of the Varroa mite and has identified its female sex pheromone.
• The industrial partner IS Insect Services GmbH has extensive experience in development and application of biological controls.
  
  

Objectives

Development of a biological Varroa control based on the female Varroa sex pheromones:

• Interference or prevention of the Varroa mite mating during the breeding season.
• No growth of the mite population beyond the injury threshold.
• Create the prerequisites for a lasting ‘IVM’ (integrated Varroa management).