A survey in Tamil Nadu of Varroa jacobsoni (Oudemans) ectoparasitic on Indian honey bees, Apis cerana F

Abstract

Worldwide honey bee colonies are on the decline due to the colony collapse disorder (CCD). The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa jacobsoni (Oudemans) (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) and the diseases it transmits are considered one of the causal factors. We conducted a month-long roving survey for the mite syndrome in Indian honey bees, Apis cerana indica Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in 12 districts of Tamil Nadu, South India in 2016, in addition to a year-long study in Coimbatore. The results indicated that colonies in all the surveyed districts had V. jacobsoni infestation and associated diseases (varroosis). Among the detection methods, examination of the debris on bottom board and of the pupae in brood comb cells was found superior to other methods. The need for monitoring and managing V. jacobsoni in Indian bee colonies is discussed.