ARS | Publication request: Varroa destructor: research avenues towards sustainable control

Submitted to: Journal of Apicultural Research
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: December 20, 2011
Publication Date: January 20, 2012
Citation: Dietemann, V., Pflugfelder, J., Anderson, D., Charriere, J., Chejanovsky, N., Dainat, B., De Miranda, J., Delaplane, K., Fuchs, S., Gallmann, P., Gauthier, L., Imdorf, A., Koeniger, N., Kralj, J., Meikle, W.G., Pettis, J.S., Rosenkranz, P., Sammataro, D., Smith, D., Yariez, O., Neumann, P. 2011. New avenues in the fight against the honeybee parasite Varroa destructor, a major threat to pollination. Apidologie. 51(1):125-132.

Technical Abstract: Pollination by honeybees plays a key role in the functioning of ecosystems and optimization of agricultural yields. Severe honeybee colony losses worldwide have raised concerns about the sustainability of these pollination services. In most cases, bee morbidity appears to be the product of many interacting factors, but there is a growing consensus that the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor plays the role of the major predisposing liability. We argue that the fight against this mite should be a priority for honeybee health research. We highlight the lack of efficient control methods currently available against the parasite and discuss the need for new approaches. Gaps in our knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of the mite are identified and a research road map towards sustainable control is drawn. Innovative and challenging approaches are suggested in order to stimulate research efforts and ensure that honeybees will be able to fulfill sustainably their role in the ecosystem.