Beekeepers Support the Use of RNA Interference (RNAi) to Control Varroa destructor

• Published in: Insects (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2024-07, Vol.15 (7), p.539
• Main Authors: McGruddy, Rose, Haywood, John, Lester, Philip J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Access control; Apiculture; Apis mellifera; Beehives; beekeeper opinion; Beekeepers; Beekeeping; Bees; Biotechnology; Chemicals; Clubs; Control methods; Gene expression; Genes; Honey; honey bee; Introduced species; Long-term effects; Mites; Parasites; Pest control; Pesticide toxicity; Pesticides; Pests; Plant reproduction; Practice; Proteins; Regulatory agencies; RNA-mediated interference; RNAi; Sucrose; Surveys; Toxicity; Varroa destructor
• ISSN: 2075-4450; 2075-4450
• DOI: 10.3390/insects15070539

Current mite management strategies rely heavily on the use of pesticides, adversely affecting honey bee health and leaving toxic residues in hive products. To explore the likelihood of RNAi technology being utilised as an alternative control method for pests like , the opinions of beekeepers on the use of this new biotechnology were obtained using a mixed-methodology approach. In-person surveys and focus groups using the Q method were conducted to discover the willingness of beekeepers to utilise -targeting RNAi treatments in their hives, and to gain feedback to inform decisions before the implementation of this new technology. Overall, the beekeepers saw potential in RNAi being used to control in their hives and were eager to have access to an alternative to pesticide treatments. Participants raised concerns about unknown long-term effects on bees and other non-target species, and the potential of an uninformed public preventing them from accessing a new treatment. While further research and discussion is needed before RNAi treatments for become commercially available, RNAi technology presents a promising, species-specific and non-toxic solution for management.