Essentials, spadework, objectives

Module 7 - Biological control method against the Varroa mite

Responsibility

Dr. rer. nat. Peter Rosenkranz
peter.rosenkranz@uni-hohenheim.de

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).