The local environmental factors impact the infestation of bee colonies by mite Varroa destructor

Abstract

Colony collapse disorder has become a global problem for beekeepers, and agriculture, which depends on bee pollination. Among other factors, the impact of the parasitic mite V. destructor, which causes varroosis, increases the risk of bee colony collapse. Global climatic changes can affect honey bee colony fate on multiple levels, including the spread of its antagonist, the ectoparasite mite V. destructor. In this work, we presumed that local meteorological conditions and the choice of appropriate beekeeping management significantly influence the number of Varroa mites falling off of honey bees. Therefore, we examined using statistical analyses the relation between biotic (number of V. destructor in A. mellifera colonies, bee quine line) and abiotic factors (maximum, minimum and average daily temperature, maximum, minimum and average daily relative humidity, hive location). Ambient air temperature proved to be a significant factor in this issue. When the daily maximum temperature ranging from 25.1 to 31.7 °C and minimum daily temperature above 5.5 °C, there was an increase in the fall of V. destructor. The highest fall of V. destructor for the whole study period was recorded when the daily air temperature was increased between 13.9 and 28.7 °C and the humidity was decreased between 47.2 and 22.7 % in the hives located in the open space. This study shows that mite falls are also influenced by the hives' location and the beeline's hygienic characteristics. Therefore, beekeepers should consider these factors when planning management strategies.