Association of oxalic and lactic acid for varroa control in Algeria August 2010

Abstract

Today, the chemical control of Varroa with pyrethroids is difficult, as they are no longer effective. Thus, it is interesting to use natural products such as organic acids. Oxalic and lactic acid were used for the first time in Algeria on 30 colonies of Apis mellifera intermissa in Langstroth hives: A. 45 g of oxalic acid dehydrate dissolved 1 litre 50 % sucrose syrup B. 30 g of oxalic acid dehydrate dissolved 1 litre 50 % sucrose syrup C. Two applications with 5 ml 15 % lactic acid carried out by pouring the acid between the frames, with a 7 day interval Dead Varroa were counted during the trial period by means of greased bottom inserts covering the hive bottom two weeks after the use of the organic acids. The efficacy of the oxalic lactic acid depends on the presence of brood at the time of the treatment. Following efficacies were measured: Application A.: 82.6 %, application B: 65.5% and application C: 75.23 %. Organic acids must be considered as products for integrated Varroa control in Algeria