Detection of resistance in US Varroa jacobsoni Oud. (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) to the acaricide fluvalinate

A scientific note on reversion of fluvalinate resistance to a degree of susceptibility in Varroa destructor

“…The predominant compound used in the U.S. to control V. destructor has been fluvalinate. Since 1998, however, resistance by V. destructor to this compound has been documented for diverse regions of the U.S. (Elzen et al, 1999) With other agricultural pests that have developed resistance, cessation of compound use can result in some degree of susceptibility (Georghiou and Taylor, 1986). Such a question has been raised for V. destructor fluvalinate resistance in the US.…”

“…The method of Elzen et al (1999) was used to assess resistance levels in the two groups. Mites were collected from brood cells and removed using a camel hair brush.…”

“…Mites were collected from brood cells and removed using a camel hair brush. Mites were placed in 20 mL glass vials that contained a residual film of technical grade fluvalinate, in a dosage previously found to cause 80-90% mortality of susceptible mites after 24 hours of exposure -2.4 µg per vial (Elzen et al, 1999). Significantly lower mortality observed at this dose was considered confirmation of resistance in the tested population.…”

The development of HopGuard® as a winter treatment against Varroa destructor in colonies of Apis mellifera

“…Over many years, the resistance of mites to synthetic acaricides has grown in European countries as well as the USA (Elzen et al 1999;Lodesani et al 1995;Milani 1999;Sammataro et al 2005), probably by repeated use. Some products containing these chemicals as active ingredients are still available and used by beekeepers.…”

Relative effect of four characteristics that restrain the population growth of the mite Varroa destructor in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

“…are able to develop resistance to chemical products (Lodesani et al, 1995;Hillesheim et al, 1996;Elzen et al, 1999); (2) miticides can leave chemical residues in honey and wax (Faucon and Flamiini, 1990;Slabezki et al, 1991;Lodesani et al, 1992;Wallner, 1999); and (3) treatments with chemical miticides increase the cost of honey production.…”