The efficacy of clove oil to manage Varroa destructor and Apocephalus borealis, in Apis mellifera L. colony

Abstract

Clove oil is a natural, eco-friendly, and highly effective odorant for triggering hygienic behavior in the colonies of Apis mellifera. Bees with highly hygienic behavior can quickly remove Varroa destructors and other enemies of bee hives. The estimation of hygienic behavior is estimated by a pin-killed method. 24 hours of experiments were conducted for observation at different months. Observed significant difference at 3 hours (P ˂ 0.001) and a non- significant difference at 6,9 and 24 hours (P > 0.09), (P > 0.014,) and (P >0.5) for the opened cells. For the cleared cells there has been observed significant difference at 3 and 6 hours (P ˂ 0.03) and (P ˂ 0.04), non- significant difference at 9 and 24 hours (P > 0.25) and (P > 0.012). clove oil also has acaricidal properties which is very effective in controlling Varroa mites and other parasites of honey bees. For the trapping of Varroa destructor and Apocephalus borealis, the sticky board method was used, in which a petroleum jelly-coated sheet was inserted at the bottom board for the trapping of mites and flies can be controlled within a week, highly significant differences observed in the first 3 days, P-values are respectively (P ˂ 0.00013), (P ˂ 0.0011), and (P ˂ 0.01), on the fifth, sixth and seventh day no significant difference discern. Mites could control within 40 days, there has been no significant difference between the first and last week, and notice a significant difference between the second and third week (P ˂ 0.0025).