Eficacia del aceite esencial de ruda (Ruta graveolens) y ácido oxálico en el control de varroasis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/p60x4x94Keywords:
bees, mites, essential oils, effectiveness, sustainable managementAbstract
Introduction. Varroa destructor is one of the main causes of mortality in Apis mellifera colonies, thus requiring constant control measures are required. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of using rue oil and oxalic acid to control V. destructor in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Material and methods. The study was conducted in commercial honeybee hives located in two areas of the city of Ambato, Tungurahua, Ecuador, from April to May 2023. Oxalic acid (5 and 10 g) and rue oil (10 and 15 %) were applied by sublimation or impregnated strips, respectively, and a control treatment (without applications) was used. Three applications of each treatment were made at eight-day intervals. at 96 h after application. A completely randomized design was used. Results. The highest mite mortality was obtained increasing the oxalic acid with dosage and exposure time. Oxalic acid (5 and 10 g) reduced Varroa infestation by 92.3 and 84.9 %, while rue essential oil at 10 and 15 % caused 68.0 and 76.5 % of mortality, respectively. Concomitantly, control efficiency increased over time, being significantly higher in hives treated with sublimed oxalic acid. Conclusion. Due to the effectiveness of oxalic acid and rue essential oil in controlling varroosis, and their safety for bees, they may be an alternative to be included in an integrated management program for V. destructor in beekeeping.
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