Pressure sprayers act as a crucial equalization tool in the initial phase of breeding for Varroa resistance. During the first summer of selection, breeders utilize these devices to apply an oxalic acid solution directly onto the bodies of adult bees before the colony's larvae are capped. This targeted application eliminates a high percentage of existing mites, effectively resetting the infestation levels for the experiment.
By physically eliminating mites early, breeders establish a standardized "clean slate" for all colonies. This ensures that any future survival or failure is attributed to the bees' genetic resistance, rather than random variations in their initial mite loads.
The Mechanics of the Application
Timing is Critical
The application must occur specifically during the first summer of the selection process.
Crucially, the spraying is performed before the larvae are capped. This timing prevents mites from hiding inside sealed brood cells, ensuring they are exposed to the treatment.
The Targeted Solution
The pressure sprayer is used to deliver an oxalic acid solution.
This solution is applied directly to the bodies of the adult bees. The pressurized application ensures thorough coverage, maximizing the physical elimination of the Varroa destructor parasite.
Establishing a Scientific Baseline
Creating a Uniform Starting Point
The primary goal of using pressure sprayers is standardization.
In a breeding program, comparing colonies is impossible if they begin with different levels of sickness. This process guarantees that every experimental colony starts with a controlled, uniform level of infestation.
Setting the Stage for Natural Selection
Once the colonies are cleaned, the artificial intervention stops.
Because the initial mite load has been neutralized, breeders can be confident that subsequent selection pressures are "fair." Future results will reflect the colony's natural ability to cope with mites, rather than the luck of a low starting population.
Understanding the Necessity of Intervention
The Risk of Unequal Infestation
Without this initial "reset," the selection data would be corrupted.
A colony might perish simply because it started with a higher number of mites, not because it lacked resistant genetics. Conversely, a weak colony might survive simply because it had fewer mites to begin with.
Balancing Intervention and Selection
This technique represents a calculated trade-off.
While the goal is natural selection, temporary artificial intervention (the sprayer) is required to validate the experiment. It eliminates environmental noise so the genetic signal can be heard.
How to Apply This to Your Project
If your primary focus is genetic accuracy: Ensure your spraying protocol is rigorous and identical across all colonies to eliminate environmental variables.
If your primary focus is treatment timing: Monitor brood development closely; the oxalic acid application must happen before capping to ensure the mites are phoretic (on the bees) and vulnerable.
This process transforms a chaotic natural environment into a controlled study, ensuring the survival of the fittest is truly based on fitness.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Application Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Used | Pressure Sprayer | Evenly distribute solution onto adult bee bodies |
| Active Agent | Oxalic Acid Solution | Physical elimination of phoretic Varroa mites |
| Critical Timing | First Summer (Pre-capping) | Targets mites before they hide in sealed brood |
| Key Outcome | Standardized Baseline | Ensures data reflects genetics, not initial mite load |
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References
- T. Blacquière, Delphine Panziera. Darwinian black box selection for resistance to settled invasive Varroa destructor parasites in honey bees. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02001-0
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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