EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY, cilt.84, sa.2, ss.433-444, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
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.