Українська версія | English version
THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL SUBJECT SCIENTIFIC DIGEST PIG BREEDING

and agroindustrial production

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF VARROATOSUS USING MICROBIAL PREPARATIONS: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN ECOLOGICAL BEEKEEPING


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UDC: 638.15:632.937

DOI: 10.37143/2786-7730-2024-4(82)6

REFERENCES АРА style:Syromiatnykov, Yu. M., Shablia, V. P., Kharchenko, O. M., & Belykh, O. V. (2024). Biolohichnyi kontrol varoozu za dopomohoiu mikrobnykh preparativ: innovatsiini pidkhody v ekolohichnomu bdzhilnytstvi [Biological control of varroatosus using Microbial preparations: innovative approaches in ecological beekeeping]. Svynarstvo i ahroprom yslove vyrobnytstvo [Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production]. Poltava, 4(82), 80-93 [in Ukrainian]. doi: 10.37143/2786-7730-2024- 4(82)6



Yu. M. SyromiatnykovCandidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Agricultural Engineering
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9502-626X
E-mail:Gara176@btu.kharkov.ua
Latvia University o f Life Sciences and Technologies
V. P. Shablia, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of the Department of Livestock and Poultry Technologies
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6510-5397
E-mail:shabliavladimir@gmail.com
State Biotechnological University Alchevskykh Str., 44, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61002 Institute of Pig Breeding and Agro-Industrial Production of the NAAS 1 Swedish Mogyla, Poltava, Ukraine, 36013

O. M. Kharchenko, postgraduate
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4955-3478
E-mail:bdzholyarukraine@gmail.com
State Biotechnological University Alchevskykh Str., 44, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61002
O. V. Belykh, postgraduate
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5490-4098
E-mail:sashafincol@gmail.com
State Biotechnological University Alchevskykh Str., 44, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61002

Abstract

Varroatosis is one o f the most serious threats to beekeeping, caused by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, which reduces the productivity and resilience o f bee colonies to adverse environmental factors. Traditional chemical control methods are often effective but present drawbacks, such as residue accumulation in honey and the development o f mite resistance. This study focuses on the effectiveness o f biological control methods against varroatosis, specifically microbial agents based on the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. Objective. was to determine the potential o f these biocontrol agents as a safe alternative to chemical acaricides and to assess their impact on honey productivity and the overall health o f bee colonies. Materials. The experiment used two groups o f drugs: traditional chemical drugs and experimental microbial drugs. Each group included 10 bee colonies. Key indexes were evaluated, including initial and final mite infestation levels, reduction in infestation, honey productivity, bee mortality, and general colony health. Results demonstrated that microbial agents reduced mite infestation by up to 71 %, while chemical methods achieved a reduction o f 64 %. Honey productivity in the experimental group was 28 % higher, confirming the positive influence o f biological methods. Additionally, bee mortality in the group treated with microbial agents was 37.5 % lower, underscoring the safety o f these treatments. Conclusions. Scientific analysis confirmed that microbial agents based on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae show promise for sustainable varroatosis control and can be recommended for ecological beekeeping.

Key words: beekeeping, biological control, Varroa destructor, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, honey productivity, bee mortality, microbial agents, ecological beekeeping, varroosis.

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