Reproduction of Varroa destructor depends on well-timed host cell recapping and seasonal patterns.

ABSTRACT: Resistance traits of honeybees (Apis mellifera) against their major parasite Varroa destructor have fascinated scientists and breeders for long. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying resistance are still largely unknown. The same applies to possible interactions between host behaviours, mite reproduction and seasonal differences. Two resistance traits, reproductive failure of mites and recapping of brood cells, are of particular interest. High rates of recapping at the colony level were found to correspond with low reproductive success of mites. However, the direct effect of recapping on mite reproduction is still controversial and both traits seem to be very variable in their expression. Thus, a deeper knowledge of both, the effect of recapping on mite reproduction and the seasonal diff

SUBMITTER: Gabel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10728205 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature