Tolerance of Honey Bees to Varroa Mite in the Absence of Deformed Wing Virus.

ABSTRACT: The global spread of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor has emphasized the significance of viruses as pathogens of honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations. In particular, the association of deformed wing virus (DWV) with V. destructor and its devastating effect on honey bee colonies has led to that virus now becoming one of the most well-studied insect viruses. However, there has been no opportunity to examine the effects of Varroa mites without the influence of DWV. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the sister species, V. jacobsoni, has emerged through a host-shift to reproduce on the local A. mellifera population. After initial colony losses, beekeepers have maintained colonies without chemicals for more than a decade, suggesting that this bee population has

SUBMITTER: Roberts JMK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7290856 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature