Essential Oils for a Sustainable Control of Honeybee Varroosis

Abstract

The Varroa destructor parasite is the main obstacle to the survival of honey bee colonies. Pest control mainly involves the use of synthetic drugs which, used with the right criteria and in rotation, are able to ensure that infestation levels are kept below the damage threshold. Although these drugs are easy to use and quick to apply, they have numerous disadvantages. Their prolonged use has led to the emergence of pharmacological resistance in treated parasite populations; furthermore, the active ingredients and/or their metabolites accumulate in the beehive products with the possibility of risk for the end consumer. Moreover, the possibility of subacute and chronic toxicity phenomena for adult honeybees and their larval forms must be considered. In this scenario, eco-friendly products derived from plant species have aroused great interest over the years. In recent decades, several studies have been carried out on the acaricidal efficacy of plant essential oils (EOs). Despite the swarming of laboratory and field studies, however, few EO products have come onto the market. Laboratory studies have often yielded different results even for the same plant species. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the various study techniques employed as well as in the variability of the chemical compositions of plants. The purpose of this review is to take stock of the research on the use of EOs to control the V. destructor parasite. It begins with an extensive discussion of the characteristics, properties, and mechanisms of action of EOs, and then examines the laboratory and field tests carried out. Finally, an attempt is made to standardize the results and open up new lines of study in future.

Combinations of Lemongrass and Star Anise Essential Oils and Their Main Constituent: Synergistic Housefly Repellency and Safety against Non-Target Organisms

“…On the mechanism of action, EOs and EO active compounds were not only neurotoxic, but their vapor damaged the antennae of mosquitoes and houseflies [ 11 , 60 ]. The vapor prevented an insect from landing on and biting humans and animals [ 60 , 61 ].…”

In vitro anthelmintic potential of selected essential oils against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

“…However, many plant species with potentially strong anthelmintic activity remained unexplored. In addition, EOs extracted from the same plants may have different compositions and thus different effects due to various factors (33,34), suggesting the need for further studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the ovicidal activity of eight EOs from different plants in vitro and thus evaluate their anthelmintic potential for future treatments of sheep GINs.…”

Effects of natural treatments on the varroa mite infestation levels and overall health of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

“…EOs are highly volatile plant components with well-known properties, such as bactericidal, virucidal fungicidal and antiparasitic activities [ 14 ]. Terpenes, terpenoids and phenolic compounds are the major constituents of EOs and are the primary cause of their biological activity [ 14 ].…”