Walnut leaf smoke versus mint leaves in conjunction with pollen traps for control of Varroa destructor

Abstract

Pollen traps, in conjuction with walnut leaf smoke or mint leaves, were tested as a control For tor. Experimental colonies were left untreated for one year prior to use in this study. Four treatment groups were tested: I - walnut smoke+pollen trap, II - paper smoke+pollen trap, III - walnut smoke only, and IV - mint leaves+pollen trap. Group V remained with no treatment. Both treatment and time were significant factors in the reduction of mites, as was the interaction effect (treatment x time). Although all treatments with pollen traps reduced mite population by approximately 50%, the treatment without pollen trap reduced mite population significantly more.