Comparative effectiveness of some acaricides used to control Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Algeria

In this study the effectiveness of two synthetic (Bayvarol and Apivar) and two natural acaricides (Apiguard and ApiLife Var) against Varroa destructor were evaluated with use of infested colonies of Apis mellifera intermissa, housed in Langstroth standard hives. Each acaricide was tested in five hives, and one group of five hives was left untreated as the control. All acaricides significantly reduced the levels of varroa mite infestation on adult honeybees and worker brood, but the efficacy was higher for Apiguard (93-97 %) and ApiLife Var (94-98 %) compared to Bayvarol (85-90 %) and Apivar (82-88 %). Overall, the data indicated that essential oils like Apiguard and ApiLife Var can be recommended in the control of V destructor; while synthetic varroacides like Bayvarol and Apivar should be minimized due to increased mite resistance for these products

Honeybee health in Africa—a review

Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pathogens and parasites and the negative effects thereof on honeybee populations remain an issue of public concern and the subject of active research. Africa with its high genetic diversity of honeybee sub-species and large wild population is also exposed to various factors responsible for colony losses in other parts of the world. Apart from the current American foulbrood epidemic in theWestern Cape of South Africa, no large-scale colony losses have been reported elsewhere on the continent. We discuss the presence of pathogens, parasites, pests and predators of African honeybees as well as the threats they face in relation to habitat changes arising from the impact of increased human populations. In addition, we discuss current efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the health of African honeybees.SouthAfrican National Research Foundation (NRF) and the University of Pretoria.http://link.springer.com/journal/135922017-05-31hb2016Zoology and Entomolog