As part of a $1.2 million initiative, scientists will create molecules that selectively bind to and interfere with the hormone receptors of varroa mite and fellow honey bee pest, small hive beetle, interfering with reproduction, development and behaviour.
The target receptors are absent from vertebrates, making the pesticide safe for other beneficial animals in the environment.
Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said horticulture production pesticides were a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and disease control, however, there was a pressing need for more environmentally-friendly pesticides that had selective action against ‘bad’ versus ‘good’ insects.
“The development of a commercial pesticide that is fatal to varroa mite and small hive beetle, but not honey bees, will lead to a worldwide market opportunity to export Australian-based technology,” Mr Fifield said.
“It will also offer a significant step toward protecting global agricultural systems that are reliant on honey bee pollination.”
Until recently, Australia was the last known inhabited continent in the world that was not permeated by varroa mite.
Varroa mites cause weakness in honey bee colonies by feeding on larvae and pupae. They can also live on adult honey bees, transmitting viruses.
Small hive beetles are a major pest in the warm and humid regions of the east coast of Australia, South Australia and northern Western Australia.
The larval stage causes damage to honeycomb, destroying brood and stored honey and pollen, resulting in honey fermentation and colonies becoming ‘slimed out’.
University of Sydney, La Trobe University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are also contributing to the five-year project.
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