12.22.2010

Might Mighty Mite Have Met Its Match?

Research is under way to genetically tweak Varroa mites in such a way as to cause them to "self-destruct."

Much as I'd love to see an end to the serious troubles Varroa destructor brings to honeybees, I'm always leery of this level of human intervention—so rarely do such things go as planned; so often do they bring an avalanche of unanticipated (and unwanted) consequences.

Take a look at this recent news item about the Varroa destructor self-destruction study and let me know what you think.