BY DAKOTA TAIT
Researchers are developing a new pesticide which could be a game-changer for beekeepers across the Hunter and around the world dealing with the varroa mite.
A team from the University of Sydney and Hort Innovation have teamed up to work on the $1.2 million initiative.
According to Hort Innovation's Pollination R&D Manager Ashley Zamek, the project has exciting potential for the industry.
"This pesticide is actually a real innovation," she said. "Most chemicals are either broad-spectrum - so they kind of affect anything and everything."
"Even those that are quite selective tend to focus on a group of insects - those that suck or chew. This pesticide will only target varroa mite and won't be harmful to any other insects, including honey bees."
By targeting the hormone receptors of the mite, as well as the hive beetle, the pesticide interferes with the reproduction, development, and behaviour of the unwanted species.
Those target receptors aren't present in honey bees or other vertebrates, meaning the pesticide is safe for the environment.
It comes as the State Government declares another biosecurity zone on the North Coast, after the varroa mite was detected near Nana Glen, north-west of Coffs Harbour.
Contact tracers say all the detections so far have been linked to existing cases.
The pesticide project's been in the works since before the varroa mite incursion in the Hunter, however, initially focusing solely on the hive beetle.
It's likely a few years away from widespread and commercial use, but there's hope it will be welcomed by farmers and beekeepers around the globe.
"The technology that's required to create this pesticide requires specialty expertise as well as laboratory facilities, and Australia's one of the only places in the world that can do that," Ms Zamek said.
"Not only will it be applicable for Australia, but it will be applicable worldwide, and that makes it really special in terms of having a commercial market."
