Evaluation of lemon juice for controlling Varroa destructor in honeybee colonies

The present investigation was carried out in the apiary at Al-Fath location, Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, from 8 th of December, 2007 to 3 rd of January, 2008. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of lemon juice on varroa mites, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) in honeybee colonies, Apis mellifera L. with little brood in order to reduce varroa population to tolerable levels. Five concentrations (10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of lemon juice (v/v) with sugar syrup 1:1 (w/v) were applied against varroa mites on adult workers honeybee. Five applications of tested concentrations were made to each colony during the treatment period. The percentage of varroa infestation on adult workers, number of fallen dead mites, number of dead bees and the reduction percentage of varroa infestation were determined in the tested colonies. The results showed that, the reduction percentages of varroa were 32.514%, 40.577%, 82.88%, 84.411% and 86.613% observed in the treated colonies with 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% lemon juice, respectively. The possible use of lemon juice against varroa mite in honeybee colonies as an alternative to routine chemical treatments is discussed. The application of these strategies enables beekeepers to keep the varroa infestation below the damage