dc.contributor.advisor |
Goodwin, M |
en |
dc.contributor.advisor |
Gaskett, A |
en |
dc.contributor.author |
Pragert, Hayley |
en |
dc.date.accessioned |
2017-06-20T23:42:51Z |
en |
dc.date.issued |
2016 |
en |
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/2292/33660 |
en |
dc.description |
Full text is available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland only. |
en |
dc.description.abstract |
Problems associated with colony collapse observed in honey bees (Apis mellifera) correspond to the growing use of miticides. Yet the use of these miticides have become mandatory in virtually all beekeeping countries, where the incursion of Varroa destructor has adversely impacted bees and permanently altered beekeeping practices. An increasing global trend has been theadoption of organic miticides with one such treatment, oxalic acid (OA), proving to be effective against Varroa destructor. This is largely due to the growing rate of resistance reported in Varroa destructor, chiefly towards synthetic miticide options, the acids lipophobicity, and the acids high efficacy. Thus, OA provides effective tool for beekeepers for the control of Varroa destructor, however, the mode of action and how the acid is disseminated in honey bee colonies remains unknown. Resultantly, research undertaken in this thesis employed novel methods to assess the acids distribution within a colony and indeed, its mode of action. Key findings in this thesis included; contrary to anecdotal evidence: trophallactic interactions, evaporation and bee-to-bee contact did not significantly influence the distribution of OA when applied on a hive. Rather, upon application the acid induces widespread auto- and allo-grooming within a hive, causing phoretic mites attached to adult honey bees to become groomed off. Indeed, the bulk of the acid when delivered to a hive can be found on the hive floor and on the surface of frames. This forms a sticky residue which stimulates further grooming when it is come into contact with by bees. Accordingly, OA acts on a varroa mite purely by mechanical means, bearing many similarities to the act of physically removing a pest species versus applying pesticide. These findings are certainly consistent with the findings that after 20 years of the acids application, resistance has never been documented. |
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dc.publisher |
ResearchSpace@Auckland |
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dc.relation.ispartof |
Masters Thesis - University of Auckland |
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dc.relation.isreferencedby |
UoA99264933613302091 |
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dc.rights |
Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. |
en |
dc.rights |
Restricted Item. Available to authenticated members of The University of Auckland. |
en |
dc.rights.uri |
https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm |
en |
dc.rights.uri |
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/nz/ |
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dc.title |
Oxalic Acid: Assessing Distribution and Mode of Action of an Organic Miticide |
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dc.type |
Thesis |
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thesis.degree.discipline |
Biological Sciences |
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thesis.degree.grantor |
The University of Auckland |
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thesis.degree.level |
Masters |
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dc.rights.holder |
Copyright: The author |
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pubs.elements-id |
631608 |
en |
pubs.record-created-at-source-date |
2017-06-21 |
en |
dc.identifier.wikidata |
Q112926275 |
|