Research reviewed: explaining, defining, using

摘要

"On the transfer of coumaphos from beeswax into syrup and honey." From the viewpoint of most beekeepers in the temperate climates of the world, Varroa destructor is aptly named. Having successfully made the "host-shift" from Asian Apis cerana to thewestern Apis mellifera, this parasitic mite often proved to be fatal to untreated colonies of its new host. Following detection in US honey bees in 1987, the parasite has been reliably controlled through the use of chemical pesticides (known as miticides). However, the need to dispense miticides inside beehives to effectively reach the mite population raises concerns about inadvertent effects on the bees, the potential contamination of hive products and human safety. In recent years, the documented loss of effectiveness of the pyrethroid miticide, fluvalinate, (Apistan) to control some Varroa destructor populations, together with the need to develop a treatment, the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), led to the production and emergency use registration of an organophosphate miticide, coumaphos (Checkmite +). In general, the organophosphate (OP) class of pesticides poses a more serious health concern for humans than do pyrethroids. Consequently, a number of OP's have undergone severe restrictions inuse or are being phased out of agricultural applications. While the future of OP's as a class are uncertain, there has been strong industry support to continue the registration of coumaphos as a control measure for fluvalinate-resistant Varroa destructorand small hive beetles.