Incorporation of Damage Function of Varroa Mites into Honeybee-varroa Mite Interaction Model

Modeling is one approach to better understanding the complex interaction such as honeybee, Apis mellifera and ectoparasitic varroa mite, Varroa destructor. The varroa mite, V. destructor is one of the most serious pests of honeybees in Korea and worldwide. Damage function of the varroa to the honeybee population was formalized based on the monitoring data of varroa mites and honeybee population size from varroa-infested non-treated colonies and conventionally managed colonies. Incorporating the damage function into the honeybee-varroa interaction model provided more realistic behavior of both species. Simulation study showed that possible beneficial impact of hive-splitting on mite control. Also, varying the chemical spray timing and efficacies, the model simulation revealed that early spring acaricide treatment was essential for protection of honeybee from the varroa mites. And additional acaricide treatments have to be applied when the chemical control effects were less than 90% for five consecutive days which is common in Korea. As a result, the interaction model showed more realistic behavior of mite and honeybee population during season than Jung (2009), and provided the potential use of simulation studies such as long-term population dynamics, control effects and IPM strategies. Further study area was discussed relative to Korean beekeeping environment.