ASSESSMENT EFFICIENCY OF CHINESE, AND LOCAL PROPOLIS AGAINST THE GREATER, AND LESSER WAX MOTHS IN HONEYBEE (APIS MELLIFERA, L.) COLONIES

Abstract

This study analyzed the biochemical composition and effectiveness of Chinese and local propolis extracts against greater (Galleria mellonella L.) and lesser (Achroia Grisella, L.) wax moth larvae, while also assessing their impact on adult honeybee workers. Propolis extracts were prepared at 10% concentration using ethanol, acetone, olive oil, water, thyme, and sage at 90%, 50%, and 25% concentrations. Biochemical analysis revealed Chinese propolis contained higher total flavonoids (2.47%), amino acids (13.69%), and lipids (31.36 mg/g) than local propolis (0.95%, 6.21%, and 26.96 mg/g, respectively). Laboratory experiments showed that increasing extract concentration (90%>50%>25%) generally increased mortality in wax moth larvae and adult workers for both propolis types. Chinese propolis extracts were more effective against both wax moth species than local extracts across all concentrations. However, Chinese propolis also caused higher mortality in adult workers, especially at higher concentrations. Ethanolic and olive oil extracts were most effective against wax moth larvae but also negatively affected adult worker survival compared to other extracts.