Dynamics of the population Varroa destructor at the Level of Local Bee Colonies Apis mellifera intermissa in the North Central of Algeria

Abstract

The population dynamics of the Varroa destructor mite in local bee colonies Apis mellifera intermissa was studied for about two years (March 2016 to December 2017) in the Tizi-Ouzou region in northern Algeria with a Mediterranean climate. Observations were made monthly on colonies treated against varroa mites and have not undergone any acaricide treatment. The development of varroa populations was monitored taking into account natural mortality, the rate of adult bees and brood infestation rate . Our results show that the Varroa population is very important during the first year of study at untreated colonies divided into two apiaries to register a slight decrease during the second year. In contrast, treated colonies at site 1 have a high level of infestation despite being treated with Bayvarol® in October 2015. Our results suggest that the level of Varroa infestation in the colonies varies according to the climatic (seasonal) and internal conditions of each colony.