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Time-Release Miticide for Varroa Destructor in Bee Hives

Detailed Technology Description

Executive Summary Starting in 2006, global beekeepers reported unusually high losses of 30-90% of their hives, which has since been termed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). The U.S. experienced a loss of nearly one third of the honey bee colonies each year over the last decade.  One primary cause has been identified: an infestation by the mite, Varroa destructor.  To combat this pest, many apiaries use organic acids as “natural miticides”.  However, current treatment products tend to be very volatile making them potentially toxic to the bees themselves as well as ineffective after a few days use. MSU researchers have developed a technology that enables a time-release method for delivery of the miticide for a longer, more controlled treatment, which greatly reduces the risk of toxicity to the honeybee hive. Description of Technology This technology is a time release miticide compound, which slowly and naturally releases its active ingredients over time to treat mite infestations.  The released active ingredients are environmentally benign and biodegradable. This product is designed to work within a honeybee hive over a period as long as 3 to 4 weeks, requiring fewer applications by the beekeepers.  The slower release allows for a more controlled treatment over incumbent products, which tend release most of their active compounds over the first few days at potentially toxic levels to the bees, especially at warmer temperatures.  The long active period treats multiple mite breeding cycles, which improves control. Key BenefitsMore controlled, consistent release of active compoundReduced risk of toxicity to the honeybee hiveLess frequent treatment application (lasts 3-4 weeks)Greater range of use at warmer temperatures than currently available miticide productsByproducts are environmentally benign and biodegradable ApplicationsMiticide for apiculture – specifically tested for Varroa mitesTreatment for Colony Collapse Disorder Patent Status:   Under review Licensing Rights Available Full licensing rights available Inventors: Dr. Edmund J. Stark, Dr. Patrick B. Smith, Dr. Daniel Henton, Dr. Tracy Zhang Tech ID: TEC2017-0046

*Abstract

None

*Principal Investigator

Name: Edmund Stark, Assistant Professor

Department: Midland St. Andrews

Name: Daniel Henton, Research Assistant Professor

Department: Midland Facility - Michigan Molecular Institute

Name: Patrick Smith, Assistant Professor

Department: Associate VP for Research

Name: Tracy Zhang, Outreach Specialist

Department: V.P. of Research and Graduate Studies

Country/Region

USA