Impact of herbal powders on prevalence and level of varroosis infestation (Varroa destructor) in honeybee (Apis mellifera. L.) colonies in Tarai regions of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Honeybee products have various properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Although, various biological constraints create a menace to this pollinating insect. Out of biotic constraints, the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor is the major concern to honeybee colonies. In this experiment, different herbal powders are used to fight against V. destructor. aromatic plants are used for making powders to test their varroacidal activity in the field conditions against honeybees. For present experiment to check their varroacidal activity against honeybees colonies sugar powder, thyme powder and neem seed powder are used. This experiment is mainly develop for an ecofriendly module to restraint varroa mites. Sugar and thyme powder found as promising as well as safe natural product for control of Varroa destructor and cause not affect the colony strength of honeybees.