| For 2020 and newer grants, please go to https://grants.ipmcenters.org/ |
|---|
|
|
| Home Current RFAs PD User Guide Projects Login |
|
Funded Project |
|
Funding Program:
IPM Enhancement Grants |
|
Project Title:
Surveillance and Characterization of Varroa Mite Acaricide Resistance in Virginia |
Project Directors (PDs):
|
|
Lead State: VA Lead Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| Undesignated Funding: $29,960 |
|
Start Date: Mar-01-2018 End Date: Feb-28-2019 |
|
No-Cost Extension Date: Jul-31-2019 |
|
Pests Involved: varroa destructor |
|
Area of Emphasis: Acaricide Resistance |
|
Summary:
Honey bees are important in the production of honey and as pollinators to a variety of agriculturally important crops. A global decline in the number of managed honey bee colonies is believed to be the result of pest, pathogens, and pesticides that have dramatic effects on honey bee health and behavior. The varroa mite is a significant pest and vector of pathogens (viruses) having a negative impact on honey bee health, and has been implicated, along with other factors, in colony collapse disorder (CCD). In Virginia, there is a lack of surveillance data of varroa mite infestation throughout the commonwealth. Chemical acaricides are commonly used to control varroa mite, but failure of acaricides (resistance) is become a concern among beekeepers. Our approach to the concerning effects of the varroa mite, is to gain a better understanding of varroa mite populations and the presence of acaricide resistance in three geographic regions of Virginia. Additionally, we will implement recommended Integrative Pest Management programs in Virginia Tech’s apiaries as a “proof of concept” to be shared with Stakeholders. The anticipated impact of the research performed in this study will address the lack of surveillance data on varroa mite populations and acaricide resistance in Virginia. We hope to gain acceptance and adoption of Integrative Pest Management (IPM) practices in manage honey bee colonies throughout the commonwealth.
Objectives: OBJECTIVE 1: Implementation of an IPM strategy to control varroa mites in Virginia. l. OBJECTIVE 2: Surveillance and characterization of varroa mite acaricide resistance in three geographically distinct regions of Virginia. |
|
Final Report: |
|
Outputs * Experiments were performed to determine varroa mite populations in three geographically regions of Virginia * In the three apiaries, acaricide resistance was not found to three commonly used acaricides (coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, and amitraz) * Data and integrated pest management approaches were incorporated into five Extension presentations with regional and state impact * Four presentations were given at scientific meetings with the primary audience being scientists having regional to international impact. * Three Extension publications focusing on Varroa mite management, sampling, and damage were published with Virginia Cooperative Extension. * Outreach through Virginia Tech’s Hokie BugFest was performed to highlight the importance of pollinator health. * Development of a vial bioassay to determine acaricide resistance was used and can be deployed with citizen scientists in the future. |
|
Outcomes * Education of integrated pest management practices to honey bee stakeholders in Virginia was performed. * It is too soon to determine the effect of education, but the short-term goal is to have 40% acceptance of integrated pest management for varroa mites in Virginia. * Collaboration was established with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to continue to take action and monitor acceptance of apiary integrated pest management in the future. |
| Report Appendices |
| Close Window |
|
Southern IPM Center North Carolina State University 1730 Varsity Drive, Suite 110 Raleigh, NC 27606 p. 919.513.1432 f. 919.513.1114 |
 |
Developed by the Center for IPM © Copyright CIPM 2004-2025 |
|