Sustainable control of small hive beetle through targeting in-ground stages

Western Sydney University

  • Project code: PRJ-000640

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Tuesday, August 1, 2006

  • Project completion date: Monday, December 31, 2007

  • National Priority: HBE-Improve understanding of nutrition best practice and disease interaction

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

Western Sydney University

Objective Summary

1. Conduct laboratory bioassays using commercial strains of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae to assess their efficacy against larvae and pupae of small hive beetle (A. tumida). 2. Evaluate efficacy of these above treatments in simulated field-soil conditions. 3. Generate preliminary data for use of drenches of entomopathogens in field apiary sites.