Effect of powdered sugar spreading on the mite (Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans) management and brood development of the Indian honey bee, Apis Cerana indica F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Studies were carried out at the Bee garden, Department of Plant Protection, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli to investigate the effect of powdered sugar spreading on the mite (Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans) management and brood development of the Indian honey bee (Apis cerana indica F.). Use of acaricides and other chemicals for management of Varroa mite has numerous side effects on the honey bees, bee products and consumers. Dusting of honey bees with powdered sugar is considered as safer mechanical method but intensive use of dusting or spraying over bees is not recommended. Hence, in this investigation was made to test the effect of powdered sugar spreading over the screened bottom board against powdered sugar dusting. However, the number of Varroa mite found on the adult worker bees had no significant difference between the treated (0.35 ± 0.10/ 50 workers) and untreated colonies (0.61 ± 0.08/ 50 workers).