Acaricide Potential of Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Extracts in the Control of Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of natural compounds for the control of Varroa destructor in colonies of Apis mellifera, the antimite potential of the hydrolate and ethanolic extract (Leatricina®) of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) was evaluated at a concentration 50%; contrasting them with the synthetic chemical amitraz and control under in vitro conditions (48 h) and in the hive (52 days). There were differences (p<0.05) in In vitro Varroa mortality with amitraz with higher values (97.9%) compared with hydrolate (53.1%) and Leatricina® (51.5%); Creosote bush extracts were similar (p> 0.05). In the field experiment, the reduction in the percentage of varroa infestation in adult bees was higher 84.9 % (p<0.05) for amitraz, while the hydrolate and Leatricina® showed differences (p<0.05) 49.5 and 72% respectively, the control group showed the lowest values. Even when the effectiveness of synthetic chemicals presents an evident superiority, the average efficacy and other benefits of natural compounds such as creosote bush extracts represent a viable and safe alternative for the control of V. destructor.