Toxicity of oxalic acid and impact on some antioxidant enzymes on in vitro–reared honeybee larvae

Nowadays, Varroa destructor is considered as a serious pest of honeybees ( Apis mellifera ) and its resistance to acaricides has been reported in Europe since the early 1990s. That is why new methods of treatment for Varroa mites are still in focus of many scientists. In our study, we determined the lethal concentration LC 50 (72 h) of 2.425% oxalic acid solution following single spray exposure of honeybee larvae under laboratory conditions (Guideline OECD 237 2013 ). Potential sublethal effects of oxalic acid were monitored through the determination of the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Activation of primary antioxidant enzymes was observed at 1.75% of oxalic acid; 3.5% of oxalic acid brought on a statistically significant increase of glutathione S -transferase activity. This change was accompanied by an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, products of lipid peroxidation. Our results indicate that oxalic acid may be harmful to bee brood when present during application.