Optimisation of fungal bio-control agent for varroa mite (PH24001)
What is it all about?
This project aims to develop and optimise fungal biological control agents to combat Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite responsible for significant honeybee colony losses worldwide. By creating a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments, this research supports an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to enhance honeybee health and safeguard global pollination-dependent agriculture.
Challenge
The global loss rate of managed western honeybee colonies surpasses 30% annually in many regions worldwide. Although multiple factors have contributed to these declines, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor has been identified as the leading biological cause. In Australia, the estimated losses to producers and consumers of 35 pollination-dependent industries from Varroa spread range from $0.63 billion to $1.31 billion over 30 years.
Despite concerted efforts, a lasting solution for controlling Varroa remains elusive. Traditional chemical control methods are not only difficult to deploy but increasingly problematic due to reduced efficacy resulting from resistance, high costs, contaminations of bee products and negative impacts on honeybee health. While an IPM approach is frequently advocated, no commercially available biological control solution exists for beekeepers globally.
Response
This project will identify and develop thermotolerant fungal strains capable of controlling Varroa mites, testing their effectiveness in laboratory and hive conditions before advancing to field trials and safety assessments. The research will generate essential regulatory data to support commercialisation and ensure compatibility with honeybee health and honey production. Additionally, guidelines will be established to integrate fungal biocontrol into IPM strategies, offering beekeepers a practical, sustainable pest management solution. To accelerate adoption, a commercialisation strategy will be developed, paving the way for a fast-tracked market introduction of a chemical-free Varroa control method for beekeepers and farmers in Australia and worldwide.
Benefit
By delivering a commercially viable, environmentally friendly biocontrol solution for Varroa mites, this project will:
- Reduce reliance on chemical treatments, mitigating resistance, contamination risks, and negative impacts on bee health.
- Strengthen honeybee populations, enhancing pollination services crucial for agriculture.
- Lower pest control costs for beekeepers and prevent economic losses caused by Varroa mite infestations.
- Support agricultural producers reliant upon healthy pollinator populations for crop production, reducing the cost of pollination services.
- Benefit consumers through more stable food production and lower costs.
- Provide researchers and policy makers with critical insights and regulatory frameworks for sustainable Varroa control worldwide.
By delivering a groundbreaking biological control alternative, this project will play a crucial role in protecting honeybee populations, securing food supply chains, and supporting global agricultural sustainability.
This project was funded through Frontiers developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Macquarie University and contributions from the Australian Government.