The effect of different concentrations of oxalic acid in aqueous and sucrose solution on<i>Varroa</i>mites and honey bees

Toomemaa, Kalle; Martin, Ants‐Johannes; Williams, I. H.

doi:10.1051/apido/2010029

Cited by 20 publications

(9 citation statements)

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“…Mites have evolved resistance to first-generation treatments such as amitraz, fluvalinate, and coumaphos (Sammataro et al 2005) prompting researchers to explore alternatives such as oxalic acid (OA) which was approved for use in honey bee hives by the EPA in 2015. OA is acutely toxic to mites and is also toxic to adult bees at high concentrations (Aliano et al 2006;Martín-Hernández et al 2007;Toomemaa et al 2010). There are some data that suggest OA is toxic to honey bee larvae (Hatjina and Haristos 2005), possibly by inducing cell death (Gregorc et al 2004), but the extent of OA toxicity to larvae is not known.…”

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confidence: 99%

A scientific note on the effect of oxalic acid on honey bee larvae

et al. 2019

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The approval of oxalic acid as a treatment for Varroa destructor infestation of honey bee hives gives beekeepers an additional option for controlling this devastating parasite and disease vector, but the effects of oxalic acid on developing bees are not completely understood. In this study, we find that doses of oxalic acid not reported to be toxic to adult bees are toxic to larval bees. While it has been recommended that oxalic acid only be used during broodless periods because it does not penetrate cappings and is only effective in killing phoretic mites, it is tempting to use it at other times of the year because of the dearth of effective treatment options. Knowing whether oxalic acid is toxic to larvae and at what doses is important for beekeepers as they manage their colony population throughout the year.

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confidence: 99%

A scientific note on the effect of oxalic acid on honey bee larvae

et al. 2019

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“…It has previously been shown that oxalic acid is a highly effective treatment against the Varroa mite (Rademacher and Harz 2006;Toomemaa et al 2010;Skerl et al 2011), with low acute toxicity for bees at doses commonly used for varroosis control (Aliano et al 2006;Rademacher and Harz 2006). In this small field study, we examined the long-term effect of such treatment on honey bee colonies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Most authors describe a > 90% acaricidal effect following application by sublimation (reviewed by Rademacher and Harz 2006). Most work concerning oxalic acid to date has been focused on its acaricidal effect (Akyol 2009;Girişgin and Aydin 2010;Gregorc and Planinc 2001;Gregorc and Planinc 2004;Rademacher and Harz 2006;Skerl et al 2011;Toufailia et al 2015); fewer studies examine the effect of this treatment on honey bee health (Rademacher and Harz 2006;Schneider et al 2012;Toomemaa et al 2010;Toufailia et al 2015).…”

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The effect of oxalic acid applied by sublimation on honey bee colony fitness: a comparison with amitraz

et al. 2016

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Oxalic acid is one of the organic acids used for controlling Varroa destructor, a mite parasitizing the honey bee (Apis mellifera). The aim of this work was to examine the effect of oxalic acid applied by sublimation on honey bee colony fitness, and to compare it with the effect of amitraz, a routinely used synthetic acaricide. Bee colonies of equal strength were randomly divided into two groups. In December 2014, one group was treated with amitraz in the form of aerosol, and the second group was treated with oxalic acid applied by sublimation. The colonies were monitored over winter. Dead bees found at the bottom of the hive were counted regularly and examined microscopically for infection with Nosema sp. (Microsporidia). At the end of March 2015, living foragers from each hive were sampled and individually examined for Nosema sp. infection. Colony strength was evaluated at the beginning of April. No adverse effect of oxalic acid on colony strength was observed despite the fact that the total number of dead bees was non-significantly higher in the oxalic acid-treated group. Examination of dead bees for Nosema infection did not reveal significant differences in spore numbers between the experimental groups. There was a substantial difference in living individuals, however, with a significantly higher amount of spores per bee found in the amitraz-treated colonies compared to the oxalic acid-treated colonies. Compared to amitraz, oxalic acid applied by sublimation showed no adverse effects on bee colony fitness or on successful overwintering.Apis mellifera, mite control, Nosema sp.

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“…This suggests that high sugar content leads to more ingestion. In laboratory trials, significantly higher bee mortality was found when sugar was added to the OAD solution [ 27 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Oxalic Acid on Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Rademacher

Harz

Schneider

2017

Insects

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Oxalic acid dihydrate is used to treat varroosis of Apis mellifera. This study investigates lethal and sublethal effects of oxalic acid dihydrate on individually treated honeybees kept in cages under laboratory conditions as well as the distribution in the colony. After oral application, bee mortality occurred at relatively low concentrations (No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) 50 µg/bee; Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) 75 µg/bee) compared to the dermal treatment (NOAEL 212.5 µg/bee; LOAEL 250 µg/bee). The dosage used in regular treatment via dermal application (circa 175 µg/bee) is below the LOAEL, referring to mortality derived in the laboratory. However, the treatment with oxalic acid dihydrate caused sublethal effects: This could be demonstrated in an increased responsiveness to water, decreased longevity and a reduction in pH-values in the digestive system and the hemolymph. The shift towards stronger acidity after treatment confirms that damage to the epithelial tissue and organs is likely to be caused by hyperacidity. The distribution of oxalic acid dihydrate within a colony was shown by macro-computed tomography; it was rapid and consistent. The increased density of the individual bee was continuous for at least 14 days after the treatment indicating the presence of oxalic acid dihydrate in the hive even long after a treatment.

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The effect of different concentrations of oxalic acid in aqueous and sucrose solution onVarroamites and honey bees

Cited by 20 publications

References 11 publications

A scientific note on the effect of oxalic acid on honey bee larvae

A scientific note on the effect of oxalic acid on honey bee larvae

The effect of oxalic acid applied by sublimation on honey bee colony fitness: a comparison with amitraz

Effects of Oxalic Acid on Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

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