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The effects of crude propolis, its volatiles and ethanolic extracts on the ecto-parasitic mite, Varroa destructor and health of the African savannah honey bee, Apis mellifera scutellata

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 February 2021

Beatrice T. Nganso Open the ORCID record for Beatrice T. Nganso [Opens in a new window]  and
Baldwyn Torto
Beatrice T. Nganso*
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Baldwyn Torto
Affiliation:
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P. O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
*
Author for correspondence: Beatrice T. Nganso, E-mail: ngansobeatrice@gmail.com
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Abstract

Propolis is a hive product composed of biologically active plant resins, and has been shown to enhance individual honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health. Propolis has also been demonstrated to mitigate, in part, the negative effects caused by the ecto-parasitic mite Varroa destructor and its associated viruses on the health of managed European honey bee colonies. However, its effect on the health status of African honey bees remains largely unknown. Here, we found that the African savannah honey bees, A. m. scutellata in Kenya, deposited approximately two and half-fold more propolis in their colonies during periods of increased than reduced worker brood rearing. This finding suggested that A. m. scutellata may use high quantities of propolis prophylactically to protect their young brood; yet, we observed no significant correlation between the quantity of propolis and the amount of worker brood or mite-infestation level on adult workers. Furthermore, whereas propolis volatiles or propolis placed in direct contact with the mites had no effect on mite survival under laboratory conditions, the ethanolic extract of propolis significantly reduced mite survival when compared with untreated control. These results suggest the presence of mite deterrent compounds in the ethanolic extract of the African honey bee propolis.

Keywords

Apis mellifera scutellatahealthpropolisVarroa destructor
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 148 , Issue 6 , May 2021 , pp. 696 - 702
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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