Experiment 2

Section 3: Evaluation of non-chemical methods for Varroa and Nosema management

Deliverable P3.2: Evaluation of the dripping application method

Implementing body of the Deliverable: Beekeeping Cooperative “THYMOS”

Purpose of the experiment

In this experiment, an assessment was made of the two dripping methods used for Varroa control: dripping with oxalic acid and the use of the commercial preparation Perizin, which contains the active substance coumaphos. Coumaphos is an organophosphate that acts by affecting the parasite’s nervous system, causing its death. It acts rapidly and significantly reduces the Varroa population, and is suitable for use during periods with brood and broodless periods. On the other hand, the risk of resistance development and the presence of residues in honey is real, while it can have negative effects on bees, depending on its use.

Conclusion

In this experiment, two dripping methods for Varroa control were tested: oxalic acid dripping and the commercial formulation Perizin, and they were compared with the use of oxalic acid strips as a reference control. From the results, there was no statistically significant difference among the three interventions. This means that the three application methods showed equally good results. A notable observation is that oxalic acid dripping is as effective as the Perizin product, providing beekeepers with a more economical solution.