1.

Use of hop products to control varroa in beekeeping

In an expert article, we presented the work on the project and the conclusions to the interested hop-growing public. We focused mainly on demonstrating the action of hop-based preparations. We also presented the possibilities of growing hops with the aim of producing hop beta-acids and thus the possibility of diversifying the sale of hops outside the traditional brewing industry.

F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)

COBISS.SI-ID: 763276

2.

Research on the effectiveness of hop preparations for the ecological control of varroa

In the article in the professional journal of the Beekeepers' Association of Slovenia, we presented the results of the project and a description of the procedures used to determine whether the use of hop preparations would be recommended for the control of varroa in bee families. The presentation was intended for the beekeeping interested public.

F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice

COBISS.SI-ID: 1024461903

3.

New frontiers in varroa control - are HBAs an effective treatment against varroosis?

We presented our experiments on practical testing of hops extracts (HBA) in the form of toxicity tests on varroa infested bees and the effects of hop extracts on the cleaning behaviour of bees. A pilot trial on colonies was carried out taking into account the environmental factors that may affect the condition of the colony. Morover, we described the goals of our research.

F.01 Acquisition of new practical knowledge, information and skills

COBISS.SI-ID: 5482344

4.

Potential positive effects of hop beta acids on parasitic mite Varroa destructor control in honey bee colonies

Our work suggests that mechanism of HBA action may not be through the haemolimph and tissues ingested by a mite but may be either contact-toxic to Varroa or may stimulate bees into performing allogrooming which is one of the successful mechanisms of Varroa mite resistance in bee colonies. This preliminary study is a stepping stone for further research on toxicity, suitable concentrations and applications of HBA as natural alternatives of suppression of Varroa in the future.

F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge

COBISS.SI-ID: 5540712

5.

Use of hop acids for organic varroa control

In the laboratory, the toxicity of hop acids to honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their effect on varroa (Varroa destructor) mortality were determined. Alpha- and beta-acid solutions in concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and the diluent of hop acids were tested on bees and varroa mites individually and together. It was found that at all concentrations the mortality of varroa mites is between 90 and 100%, however at higher concentrations the mortality of bees is high as well.