Genetic analysis and screening of pyrethroid resistance mutations in Varroa destructor populations from Turkey

KOÇ N., İNAK E., Jonckheere W., Van Leeuwen T.

EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY, vol.84, no.2, pp.433-444, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 84 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10493-021-00626-2
  • Journal Name: EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.433-444
  • Keywords: Varroa, Pyrethroids, Resistance mutation, Mitochondrial genes, SODIUM-CHANNEL GENE, APIS-MELLIFERA, FLUVALINATE-RESISTANCE, COLONY LOSSES, OXALIC-ACID, MITE, ACARI, MECHANISMS
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Varroa destructor is the most common ectoparasite of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) worldwide and poses a serious threat to bee health. Synthetic acaricides, particularly pyrethroids, are frequently used to control Varroa mites. However, long-term and repeated use of synthetic pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance. In this study, we report on the presence of resistance mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel in V. destructor populations from Turkish beekeeping areas. Two resistance mutations, L925V and L925I, that were previously associated with pyrethroid resistance, were found in more than 75% of the populations. A general correlation between the presence of mutations and the history of acaricide usage was observed for the sampled hives. In addition, we show there is only a low genetic distance among the sampled V. destructor populations, based on the analysis of three mitochondrial genes: cytochrome b (cytb), ATP synthase subunit 6 (atp6), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Revealing the presence and geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations in V. destructor populations from Turkish apiaries will contribute to create more effective mite management programmes.