Efficacy of Natural Plant Extracts Against Varroa Mite Infestation in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Authors

• Muhammad Farrukh Mushtaq, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Amir Said, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Abdul Majid Khan, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Mahnoor Arshad, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Muhammad Ammar, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Abdullah ., Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Muhammad Farhan Nasir, Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Amina Bashir, Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, PakistanFollow
• Shumaila Noreen, Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, PakistanFollow

Abstract

The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is one of the most beneficial insects worldwide. Several factors stress this pollinating insect, with Varroa destructor infestation being one of the most devastating reasons. Conventional acaricides necessitate an alternative control due to the development of resistance and the accumulation of residues. Many plant extracts and oils provide a favourable solution for managing mites in honey bee colonies. This study focused on the acaricidal and insecticidal activities of three plant extracts: Indian rennet (Withania coagulans), Guggal (Commiphora wightii), and Celery (Apium graveolens) against Varroa and potential side effects on bees. In fumigation bioassay, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations of each extract were applied to A. mellifera and V. destructor, placed in separate petri dishes. Mite and adult bee mortality was recorded at 1h, 4h, and 8h, while LC₅₀ and selectivity ratio (SR) were determined after 8 hours of exposure. The highest acaricidal effect against V. destructor was recorded for C. wightii (LC₅₀ = 1.27 ± 0.59), followed by W. coagulans (LC₅₀ = 1.72 ± 0.70), and A. graveolens (LC₅₀ = 2.18 ± 0.44). The lowest insecticidal activity against A. mellifera was exhibited by the extract of A. graveolens (LC₅₀ = 9.26 ± 1.24). Results proved that extract of A. graveolens (SR > 4.25) is best for Varroa control, followed by W. coagulans (SR > 1.83) and C. wightii (SR > 1.47). LC-MS of all the extracts were conducted. However, the efficacy of these materials has yet to be evaluated in the apiary.

Article History

Received: Oct 02, 2025; Accepted: Jul 10, 2026; Published: Sep 30, 2026.

Recommended Citation

Mushtaq, M. F., Said, A., Khan, A. M., Arshad, M., Ammar, M., ., A., Nasir, M. F., Bashir, A., & Noreen, S. (2026). Efficacy of Natural Plant Extracts Against Varroa Mite Infestation in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.), Journal of Bioresource Management, 13 (3).