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Researchers at the University of Murcia studying the genetic profile of a parasite of bees (20/02/2009)

Researchers at the University of Murcia have made a study of the genetic profile of the ectoparasite "Varroa, a mite that currently poses a serious problem for beekeeping worldwide for its harmful effects on bees.

For the study, researchers analyzed several colonies of bees infected in the Iberian Peninsula, Balearic and Canary Islands.

The objective of this research, conducted within a project that is funded by the National Bee, which manages the Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, was to analyze the genetic profile of the mite, for which we used a consistent methodology in mitochondrial gene analysis by molecular technique.

The "varroa" was found in all the 575 samples tested, except one, "thus confirming the global expansion of this haplotype more virulent," scientists say.

For researchers, the identification of haplotype K "is an important starting point for studies to control this parasite."

In the investigation involved the teachers of the University of Murcia Irene Muñoz and Pilar de la Rúa, along with other specialists of the Regional Apiculture Centre of Castilla-La Mancha and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid.

Source: Universidad de Murcia

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