A model of the mite parasite, Varroa destructor, on honeybees ( Apis mellifera) to investigate parameters important to mite population growth

Abstract

Results from a simple model of a population of varroa mites ( Varroa destructor—previously known as Varroa jacobsoni) reproducing in a honeybee colony ( Apis mellifera) are compared with previous models. The method considers the choice of appropriate output parameters. Sensitivity analysis was used to rank the input variables in terms of relative importance. In this model, seasonal variation in brood rearing of the host honeybees was found to be more important in determining the mite population growth rate than the reproductive rate of the mites. Simulations with different amounts of drone brood highlight its importance in determining the growth rate of the varroa population. Possible biological control methods that beekeepers can apply are discussed. Simulations with shortened post-capping times (PCTs) of worker brood and drone brood indicate that a reduction of about 10% in the PCTs for drone or worker brood would reduce the mite population growth by about 30 or 60%, respectively. This analysis highlighted some important variables that appear to have been given little consideration by previous workers, such as the start and end time of the brood rearing season. It also showed how sensitivity analysis should be used to indicate the most important areas of further research to fill knowledge gaps.