Project Number: 6204-21000-009-08
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Nov 01, 2002
End Date: Oct 31, 2004

Objective:
In cooperation with Vita Limited (Europe), develop effective control products (including Apiguard) and techniques for managing populations of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and other honey bee diseases. Test candidate products and techniques in laboratory and field settings that evaluate their efficacy under the wide range of conditions found in the U.S. beekeeping. Assess the impact that candidate products and techniques have on honey bee colonies. Assist in developing data packet suitable for presentation by Vita Limited to regulatory agency such as the Food and Drug Administration our Environmental Protection Agency.

Approach:
Utilize toxicological methods in a laboratory bioassay to determine the probability of efficacy under field conditions. Testing products (including Apiguard) and techniques that show promise in the laboratory under realistic field conditions, but with limited number of field strength honey bee colonies. Specifically, adult mite mortality assessed and impact on honey bees monitored. Expanded testing of products and techniques for those that warrant the expense of large field tests, to include multi-state trials.

Project Team

Eischen, Frank

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Crop Production (305)