In Vitro Study on the Efficacy of Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze Extracts for Controlling Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) in Apis mellifera (Hym.: Apidae).

Ziziphus vulgaris L. and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze are medicinal plants widely used in various ethnomedical systems, particularly in Iranian Traditional Medicine, for the treatment of various diseases. While their biological activities are well-documented, their effectiveness against Varroa destructor, a significant ectoparasite of Apis mellifera (honeybees), remains unknown. As V. destructor poses a serious threat to honeybee populations globally, it is crucial for researchers to explore novel control methods. In this study, we evaluated the anti-Varroa activity of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 µL/L air) and exposure times (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 h). The results showed that mite mortality increased in parallel with the increase in extract concentration and exposure time. Importantly, the plant extracts did not cause significant mortality in A. mellifera compared to the control group. In conclusion, our findings suggest that these plant extracts could be effective agents for managing V. destructor.