Acaricidal activity of essential oils for the control of honeybee (Apis mellifera) mites Tropilaelaps mercedesae under laboratory and colony conditions

Abstract

Tropilaelaps spp. mites are considered a major parasite of honeybees. In this study, essential oils (EOs) of 11 plant species were evaluated for acaricidal activity under laboratory and field conditions. Five adult mites per petri dish and ten adult worker bees per plastic cup cage were exposed to different concentrations of each essential oil (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0% (v/v)). The essential oil of Piper betle (betel) showed the highest acaricidal activity in laboratory testing. Additionally, most EOs showed low toxicity to adult honeybees in a lab assay. Piper betle , Amomum krervanh , and Zanthoxylum limonella were then tested in whole colonies using cardboard strips soaked in 10 mL of each essential oil at various concentrations, every week for 4 weeks. Amomum krervanh at 10% (v/v) and P. betel at 5.0% (v/v) decreased mite populations after 30 days. We further tested grease and a sponge as application methods to deliver A. krervanh , with no significant impact on mites. Although several essential oils demonstrated acaricidal activity against Tropilaelaps under laboratory conditions, the EOs tested did not significantly reduce mites under colony conditions. Therefore, the concentration and colony delivery methods of these promising EOs warrant further investigation.Tropilaelaps / acaricidal activity / LC 50 / Apis mellifera / Piper betle / Amomum krervanh

In Vitro Efficacy of Carica papaya, Chromolaena odorata and Piper betle Leaves Extracts against Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis

“…Hence, the plant's extracts were comparable with the 0.025% amitraz solution. 100% fresh crude extract (FCE) 3 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 50% fresh crude extract in water (FCW) 3 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 50% ethanolic extract (in 60% ethanol) (EEE) 3 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 50% ethanolic extract (in Distilled water) (EEW) 3 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 60% ethanol solution (-) 3 0.00±0.00 b 0.00±0.00 b 0.00±0.00 b 0.00±0.00 b 0.00±0.00 b Amitraz (+) 3 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a 100.00±0.00 a Similar results were obtained by Chaimanee et al (2021) wherein among 11 plant species studied, the P. betle showed the highest acaricidal activity against Tropilaelaps mercedesae mites.…”

Properties of essential oils absorbed on the surface of cardboard pieces after using atmospheric-pressure plasma treatments to develop long-lasting Varroa miticides in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

“…Several essential oils have demonstrated acaricidal activity [ 30 , 32 , 46 , 53 , 54 ] but some essential oils negatively affect honeybees. This might be the reason that only a few of them have been tested under colony conditions [ 33 , 40 , 55 , 56 ]. Several studies have been previously reported that clove oil had high efficacy for Varroa controlling both in laboratory and in the field conditions [ 30 , 46 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…0000065697) were purchased from the Union Science Co., Ltd. (Chiang Mai, Thailand). The dried fruit of cardamon ( Amomum krervanh ) was purchased from a herbal store in Chiang Mai and was extracted using a hydro-distillation method [ 33 ]. Their chemical compositions are shown in Table 1 .…”

Acaricidal Toxicity of Four Essential Oils, Their Predominant Constituents, Their Mixtures against Varroa Mite, and Their Selectivity to Honey Bees (Apis cerana and A. mellifera)

“…While conventional acaricides have been used to control the V. destructor mite, their overuse has resulted in mite resistance and the accumulation of high levels of miticides and their metabolites in honey bee colonies [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. These chemicals can cause side effects [ 16 ], such as disruption of brood development and effects on learning and memory, longevity, colony strength [ 17 ], as well as queen and drone reproduction [ 17 , 18 ]. In addition, the use of conventional acaricides can affect the hygiene and the foraging behavior of bees [ 19 ], increasing the risk of colony collapse when combined with additional stressors [ 17 ].…”