Biological Activity of Heterotheca latifoliaEssential Oil Against Varroa jacobsoni

AbstractThe acaricidal effects and adult bee toxicity of Heterotheca latifoliaessential oil on Varroa jacobsonimites were evaluated. The oil was prepared as an emulsion and applied on the varroa females and on adult bees by pulverization in Burgerjon's tower.Varroa lethality test was determined by 3%, 4% and 5% concentrations. The active ingredient was sprayed on the mites placed in groups of 10 on filter papers placed on a plastic dish. As controls, distilled water and water with the emulsifier were used. After spraying, mites were placed in an incubator at 33°±1°C and 70% RH. At these concentrations (3%, 4% and 5%) the oil showed a high mite mortality, while in the control group (water and water + emulsifier) the mortality was lower. Significant differences between control groups and tested groups were observed (p<0.05).At the highest concentrations (5%) H. latifoliaoil did not show bee toxicity. Significant differences between control and tested groups were not observed (p>().()5).These results suggested that H. latifoliaoil might play an important role in this honeybee parasitosis management.