COMPORTAMIENTO DE DIFERENTES GENOTIPOS DE Apis mellifera SOBRE LA INFESTACIÓNDE Varroa destructor

Beekeeping is an agricultural activity with contributions in the economic, social and ecological sphere in Mexico. Apis mellifera bees are prone to parasitosis such as the Varroa destructor mite that affect the production and development of colonies. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of the genotypes: Cordovan, Carniola, Caucasian and Africanized Hybrid on the infestation and natural control of Varroa. 20 hives were evaluated, divided into four groups according to their genotype. Comparative measurements were taken to determine percentages of infestation and consider the damage caused to the offspring by region. The data were analyzed with the generalized linear model methodology. Differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between genotypes for the average number of varroa/hive, where there was a greater sensitivity to infestation of the Carniola and Africanized Hybrid genotypes with respect to Cordovan and Caucasian. There were differences (p≤0.05) between genotypes on the percentage of damage caused to the mite. The Cordovan genotype had a level of specialization in the mite attack; mainly in the armor and legs. The damage was 29% and it was observed that the parasite's legs were involved, which does not allow it to remain on the bee. Likewise, this genotype had greater grooming behavior when mutilating the parasite. Damaging the shell and legs reduces the probability of survival.