Environment or beekeeping management: What explains better the prevalence of honey bee colonies with high levels of Varroa destructor?

• Published in: Research in veterinary science 2017-06, Vol.112, p.1-6
• Main Authors: Giacobino, Agostina, Pacini, Adriana, Molineri, Ana, Bulacio Cagnolo, N., Merke, J., Orellano, E., Bertozzi, E., Masciangelo, G., Pietronave, H., Signorini, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abundance; Animals; Annual precipitation; Apiculture; Argentina; Arid regions; Autumn; Beekeeping; Bees; Bees - parasitology; Colonies; Environment; Environmental conditions; Environmental management; Honey; Host-Parasite Interactions; Infestation; National service; Nosema sp; Precipitation; Risk Factors; Semiarid environments; Temperature effects; Variables; Varroa destructor; Varroidae - physiology; Vegetation; Veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.01.001

Varroa destructor is one of the major threats to honey bee colonies. The mite abundance in the colonies is affected by environmental conditions as well as by beekeeping management. The aim of this study was to recognize the main drivers associated with autumn V. destructor infestation in honey bee colonies when different regions from Argentina are compared. A total of 361 colonies distributed in five Argentinean eco-regions were examined to evaluate Varroa mite infestation rate during autumn and Nosema sp. presence. Regions were different regarding annual temperature, precipitation and especially vegetation landscape. In addition, beekeeping management practices were obtained from a checklist questionnaire answered by the beekeepers. The prevalence of colonies with high infestation level was lower in semi-arid Chaco followed by humid and transition Chaco regions. Also, colonies that were positive for Nosema sp. showed a higher Varroa infestation rate. The “environmental” effect was stronger compared with the influence of secondary drivers associated with beekeeping activities. As well, a significant association between V. destructor infestation rates and Nosema presence was identified. Under contrasting natural conditions, environment seems a predominant driver on Varroa destructor infestation level in honey bee colonies. •More than half of the honey bee colonies exceeded the autumn threshold for Varroa mites.•Apiaries from regions with crops showed high Varroa infestation level.•Nosema sp. and Varroa mites occurrence seems to be associated.•Environment comes out as the main predominant driver on Varroa destructor infestation level.