Abstract
Lithium chemicals have been proven to be very effective in eradicating Varroa destructor, the detrimental parasite of the honey bee; however, little is known about the side effects on brood and long term consequences on the colony. Earlier, it was proposed that the action mechanisms of lithium chloride do not include the contact mode. Here, we investigate this question using a paper strip test to demonstrate the concentration-dependent effectiveness of lithium in the contact mode of action, confirming that it is also a contact agent against the Varroa mite. According to our knowledge, this is the first report on the high varroicidal effect of lithium in the contact mode of action. Our findings may open up possibilities for novel ways of treatment (e.g., the use of lithiated strips) in the event that lithium salts become legal for use in apiculture.
Highlights
Maintenance of commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies is highly dependent upon the successful control of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, recognized as the biggest threat to the western honey bee worldwide
RNAi-based approaches [9], it was observed that lithium salts may offer promising and easy-to-use chemicals for effectively treating Varroa infestation
Lithium chloride has been described as a varroicide that acts in a systemic mode of action in a wide range of concentrations [10]
Summary
Maintenance of commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies is highly dependent upon the successful control of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, recognized as the biggest threat to the western honey bee worldwide. Controls can be effective and of low risk of building resistance [3,4,5,6], but in some countries, they are restricted mainly to only a few chemicals, implying the potential development of acaricide resistance [7,8] and reducing the possibility of mite eradication in the foreseeable future. RNAi-based approaches [9], it was observed that lithium salts may offer promising and easy-to-use chemicals for effectively treating Varroa infestation. Treatments have been published where 100% mite mortality was found in the brood-free period with minor or no mortality of adult bees, with certain concentrations of lithium-containing chemicals [10,11]. Lithium chloride has been described as a varroicide that acts in a systemic mode of action in a wide range of concentrations [10]
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