ASSESSMENT OF DIFFERENT LITHIUM CHLORIDE DOSES FOR VARROA DESTRUCTOR CONTROL IN APIS MELLIFERA BEES

Ensuring high efficiency in the control of Varroa destructor through the use of non-chemical products is critical for the survival of bees globally. In the Andean region of Ecuador, beekeeping activity has become relevant, due to the exuberant melliferous wealth. However, no scientific information has been generated at the country level. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate lithium chloride (LiCl) as a potential alternative for the control of Varroa destructor mite. To do this, accordingto a completely randomized design, different concentrations of LiCl, 94 mM, 14 mM and 189 mM were evaluated on the mortality of Varroa destructor, infestation rates and their corresponding relative efficacy. Data analyzed under a general linear model showed that mortality, infestation as well as relative efficacy was superior against Varroa destructor when LiCl was administered at concentrations of 141 and 189 mM, respectively. Consequently, these findings should be corroborated with more studies in which the edaphoclimatic conditions are considered within the analyses as well as the different methods for their applicability in practice.