Genetic lability of Varroa Destructor as a factor of the epizootic process in Apis Mellifera Carpatica populations
- Pages
- 129-140
Abstract
The global decline of honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations poses a serious threat to crop pollination and global food security. Among the multiple factors causing colony weakening and loss, varroosis, an invasive disease caused by the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, plays a pivotal role. Despite decades of research and various control methods, effective management of this parasite remains elusive. The aim of this work was a comprehensive analysis of the genetic structure of V. destructor populations infesting Carpathian bee colonies (A. m. carpatica) in the Republic of Tatarstan, within the framework of the parasite’s genetic lability and adaptive potential. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cox1 gene fragment and phylogenetic analysis using the Neighbor-Joining method with 103 reference sequences from GenBank were performed. The studied samples were found to belong to the Korean (K) haplotype. The identified single nucleotide polymorphism (A/T transversion) in two samples indicates intrapopulation genetic differentiation. It is shown that the genetic lability of the parasite, manifested in the existence of multiple genovars within one colony and their ability to rapidly shift dominant haplogroups under selective pressure, is an underestimated factor reducing the effectiveness of acaricide treatments and the selection of resistant bee breeds. Behavioral adaptations of the mite, including its ability to modify the host’s cuticular hydrocarbon profile and change trophic preferences depending on population density, are discussed. The obtained data substantiate the need for regular molecular genetic monitoring of V. destructor population structure as an essential element of the veterinary and sanitary surveillance system in beekeeping.