EFFECT OF MITICIDES AMITRAZ AND FLUVALINATE ON REPRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY OF HONEY BEE APIS MELLIFERA

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Abstract
Varroa destructor is a well-known ectoparasite of the honey bee Apis mellifera. Amitraz and fluvalinate are highly effective miticides used against V. destructor infestation in colonies of honey bee A. mellifera. Though honey bees more resistant to miticides, there are side effects of these chemicals on the reproduction, olfaction, and honey production of honey bees. We showed a negative impact of miticides amitraz and fluvalinate on honey production and reproduction of honey bee colonies. Also, we assumed the reduction of olfaction of honey bees by fluvalinate due to changes of expression of olfactory related neuropeptide genes short neuropeptide F sNPF, tachykinin TK, short neuropeptide F receptor sNPFR. The external treatment of honey bee colonies by miticides amitraz and fluvalinate along with a positive effect of pest control harms reproductivity, honey productivity, and, probably, can reduce learning and memory, gustation and olfaction of honey bees. When used for a short time and with care, miticides can be less harmful to honey bees. Breeding varroa-resistant honey bees allow to reduce the use of miticides and produce organic honey. Therefore, the further development of beekeeping should be in the direction of selection for disease and Varroa resistance and adaptation to the environment.

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