biostudies-literatureRibani ARegione Emilia-RomagnaUniversity of Bologna213https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9147136biostudies-literatureUnknown9(5)Environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in honey derives from the organisms that directly and indirectly have been involved in the production process of this matrix and that have played a role in the hive ecosystems where the honey has been produced. In this study we set up PCR-based assays to detect the presence of DNA traces left in the honey by two damaging honey bee pests: the small hive beetle (<i>Aethina tumida</i>) and the greater wax moth (<i>Galleria mellonella</i>). DNA was extracted from 82 honey samples produced in Italy and amplified using two specific primer pairs that target the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of <i>A. tumida</i> and two specific primer pairs that target the same gene in <i>G. mellonella</i>. The limit of detection was tested using sequential dilutiVeterinary sciencesHoney Environmental DNA Can Be Used to Detect and Monitor Honey Bee Pests: Development of Methods Useful to Identify <i>Aethina tumida</i> and <i>Galleria mellonella</i> Infestations.PMC9147136BEE-RER-3 project- CUP E37G22000030007-del Regolamento (UE) no. 1308/2013 -(OCM Apicoltura)RFO 2020-2021Taurisano VRibani AUtzeri VJFontanesi LfalseHoney Environmental DNA Can Be Used to Detect and Monitor Honey Bee Pests: Development of Methods Useful to Identify <i>Aethina tumida</i> and <i>Galleria mellonella</i> Infestations.Environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in honey derives from the organisms that directly and indirectly have been involved in the production process of this matrix and that have played a role in the hive ecosystems where the honey has been produced. In this study we set up PCR-based assays to detect the presence of DNA traces left in the honey by two damaging honey bee pests: the small hive beetle (<i>Aethina tumida</i>) and the greater wax moth (<i>Galleria mellonella</i>). DNA was extracted from 82 honey samples produced in Italy and amplified using two specific primer pairs that target the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of <i>A. tumida</i> and two specific primer pairs that target the same gene in <i>G. mellonella</i>. The limit of detection was tested using sequential diluti2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Apr2026-05-06T03:20:50.017Z2025-05-18T12:05:09.276ZS-EPMC91471363562274110.3390/vetsci9050213