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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Chemistry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #254738

Title: Development of Semiochemical Based Control Programs for Arthropod Pests of Honeybees

Author
item Teal, Peter
item Duehl, Adrian
item Carroll, Mark
item TORTO, BALDWIN - International Centre Of Insect Physiology And Ecology

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/24/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In recent years the apiculture industry has experienced serious problems from serious invasions by exotic pests including Varroa destructor and the Small hive beetle, Aethina tumida. Control of these pests is difficult and problematic because Honey bees are extremely sensitive to pesticides and the public is becoming increasingly concerned about food containing pesticide residues. Clearly, effective control programs for these pests require development of alternative approaches to classical chemical systems. One alternative approach, the use of semiochemicals that are required by the pests to survive in hives, is highly attractive. We have been studying the semiochemical mechanisms associated with invasion of honey bee brood by Varroa mites and hive invasion by the Small hive beetle. Results of our studies have led to the identification of chemicals responsible for these behavioral events for both pests. Here we report on the biological and chemicals research that led to identification of these compounds and on our efforts in developing of approaches to control of the pests using these semiochemicals.