| Prevalence of Varroa jacobsoni Infestation in Bee Colonies of Fars Province |
| Paper ID : 1049-IPCA5 (R2) |
| Authors |
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Elmira Hadizadeh Andouhjerdi *, Mohammad Shahryar Sheikh Abdolsalami Veterinary Student of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Varroa mite (Varroa destructor, Anderson & Trueman) is a significant pest of Apis mellifera worldwide, causing severe economic losses to the beekeeping industry. It damages bee colonies by feeding on various developmental stages of bees and transmitting pathogenic viral agents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Varroa mite(Varroa jacobsoni) infestation in bee colonies in Fars province, a major honey-producing region in southwest Iran. A total of 300 bee colonies were examined each season to assess infestation rates in larva, pupa and adult bees. Infested adult bees were collected in jars containing 70% ethanol. To determine infestation stages in larvae and pupae, a 5 × 5 cm piece of the hive was removed and transported to the laboratory on ice for further analysis. The highest infestation rate was recorded in winter in tropical climates (Qaemieh-Akbarabad, Yasuj-Darab Road, Kakan-Bushehr Road, Kakan-Qir and Karzin, Yasuj-Firuzabad Road, Kakan-Gachsaran, Kazerun-Taheri, Qaemieh-Nurabad, Shiraz-Highway, Shiraz-Ghalat) (49%), while the lowest prevalence was observed in spring in cold climates (Sepidan-Misiri, Sepidan-Babaklat, Piste-Mahoor, Sepidan-Kakan, Behesht gomshode (Lost Paradise)Sepidan, Borshaneh-Kakan, Nurabad, Nurabad-Arkan, Homayjan) (29%). The infestation rate in neonatal chambers was determined to be 22.3%. The annual infestation rate across apiaries was recorded at 39.2%. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in infestation rates between seasons (P>0.05). The findings suggest a considerable prevalence of Varroa mite infestation in bee colonies in Fars province. Prevalence of the Varroa jacobsoni in the following season is : Spring 29%, Summer 30%, Autumn 46.7%, Winter 49%. Since this mite poses a serious threat to honeybee populations and the beekeeping industry, effective monitoring and control measures should be implemented to mitigate its impact. |
| Keywords |
| Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, Prevalence, Infestation, Apis mellifera, Beekeeping, Fars province |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
