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This cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will provide $219,718 to the University of Maryland, College Park through April 30, 2023. The funding supports survey, sampling, and diagnostic analysis to examine the relationship between in-colony wax varroacide residues and varroa mite resistance. Specifically, the University will utilize the USDA's existing honey bee health surveillance program to collect beeswax and varroa mites from the same in-colony bee samples. The samples will then be analyzed to determine if there is a link between fluvalinate or amitraz residues in the wax and the presence of resistance genes in the mites. The intended outcome is a final report analyzing the associations between in-colony pesticide use and mutation alleles found in sampled mites. The findings will help inform varroa mite treatment and comb management recommendations for beekeepers. The award furthers the goals of the USDA's Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), which aims to protect U.S. agriculture from economically damaging pests and ensure animal welfare.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to provide survey, sampling and diagnostic analysis to conduct the relationship betweenin-colony wax varroacide residues with varroa mite resistance.2.

Activities

Utilize existing aphis honey BEE healthsurveillance program to collect in-colony beeswax (to analyze forvarroacide residues) and varroa mites (for genetic testing) from thesame in-colony BEE sample as the beeswax. Determine if there is a linkbetween fluvalinate or amitraz (common varroacides) residues in the waxwith mites with resistant genes.3. Deliverables and expected outcomes: a final analysis included in areport of the linkages between in-colony varroacide use and the presenceof mutation alleles in sampled mites. We expect to see a positiverelationship between pesticide residues in wax and varroacide resistancein mites.4. Intended beneficiary(IES): all beekeepers will benefit from thisknowledge as well as scientists and those manufacturing varroa mitecontrol products. Documenting the relationship between in-colonypesticide residues (and their levels) in wax with varroa resistance, will enable US to recommend comb management and inform varroa treatmentfor beekeepers based on their results.