Acaricidal properties of Corsican <i>Humulus lupulus</i> L. (Cannabaceae) essential oils against <i>Varroa destructor</i> : a honeybee health perspective

Abstract

Six Corsican essential oils (EOs) from Humulus lupulus were studied for their activity against Varroa destructor adults and Apis mellifera pupae. The GC/MS analysis of EOs showed that the major compounds of all accessions were α-Humulene, Myrcene, α-Selinene, β-Selinene, (E)-β-Farnesene, and (E)-β-Caryophyllene. Bioassays showed that EOs from each accession acted as toxins and repellents against V. destructor adults, with lower toxicity towards A. mellifera pupae. In terms of efficacy against V. destructor adults, Smaragd 2020 oil displayed the highest performance, with LC50 and LC90 values of 2.33 and 7.83 µL/L air, respectively. Meanwhile, Smaragd 2019 and Tettnanger EOs showed moderate toxicity, with LC50 values of 3.101 and 3.66 µL/L air, along with LC90 values of 11.67 and 19.89µL/L air, respectively. The oils from Biguglia and Ajaccio were strongly repellent to Varroa adults. At the lowest concentration (2 µL/mL), these EOs exhibited percentage of repellence greater than 70% after 2h exposure, with RC50 values of 1.66 and 1.26 µL/L air, respectively. Concerning their insecticidal effects, EOs demonstrate reduced toxicity towards bee pupae when compared to Varroa mites. Notably, Ajaccio stands out for inducing lower mortality among bee pupae, with a selectivity ratio below 2 and LC50 of 11.25 µL/L air.