{"id":322287,"date":"2022-08-03T20:29:49","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T10:29:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=322287"},"modified":"2022-08-03T20:35:46","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T10:35:46","slug":"scientists-target-varroa-mite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2022\/08\/03\/scientists-target-varroa-mite\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists Target Varroa Mite"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scientists are developing a pesticide that will specifically target the Varroa mite (Photo: Hort Innovation)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 3, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Australian scientists are working on a groundbreaking hormone-based, bee-friendly Varroa pesticide.<\/p>\n

The grower-owned research and development corporation Hort Innovation has joined forces with the University of Sydney to develop a world-first pesticide that is safe for honey bees but fatal to the Varroa mite.<\/p>\n

As part of the $1.2 million initiative, scientists will create molecules that interfere with the hormone receptors of the Varroa mite and another honey bee pest, the small hive beetle.<\/p>\n

The pesticide will interfere with reproduction, development and behaviour.<\/p>\n

Hort Innovation says the target receptors are absent from vertebrates, making the pesticide safe for other beneficial animals in the environment.<\/p>\n

Chief executive Brett Fifield said the project aimed to help safeguard Australian honey bees and would have positive impacts on horticulture production.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThirty per cent of global agricultural production is reliant on pollination by honey bees,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis production is currently under threat from pests including the Varroa mite and the small hive beetle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr Fifield said pesticides were a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and disease control, however there was a pressing need for more environmentally friendly pesticides that have selective action against “bad” versus “good” insects.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe development of a commercial pesticide that is fatal to Varroa mite and small hive beetle, but not honey bees, will lead to a worldwide market opportunity to export Australian-based technology.<\/p>\n

“It will also offer a significant step toward protecting global agricultural systems that are reliant on honey bee pollination.\u201d<\/p>\n

La Trobe University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are also contributing to the five-year project.<\/p>\n

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