Population Dynamics of Varroa Mites and Bee Lice in Honey Bees Colonies

Date

2019-1

Type

Article

Journal title

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 8

Author(s)

Marwan Keshlaf, Hamida B. Mirwan

Pages

1017 - 1021

Abstract

Abstract: This study was designed to evaluate the population dynamics of Varroa mites and bee lice in naturally infested honey bee colonies Apis mellifera Varroa destructor and Braula coeca infestation rate on both adult bees and sealed brood was estimated, in addition of the estimation of falling parasites trapped by using anti-varroa bottom boards. The results showed that mean infestation rate of V. destructor on adults and brood was 2 % on January, increased rapidly on June to reach the maximum of 40% , then decreased again to the season minimum rate in Dec 2014. The infestation rate of B. coeca began to increase rapidly in May, reaching the season’s maximum rate of 2.1 %, for A. mellifera in December of 2014. We conclude both of the honey bee parasites were found in the apiary with the most common parasite being the Varroa mite. In spite of hosting few pathogens, yet most parasites, A. m. colonies appeared to be healthy.

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