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Student 10-Minute Presentation

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Student

Student Competition

Undergrad 10-min Competition: MUVE and PBT, Behavior, Pollinators, and Chemical Ecology

The mite light project: Using fluorescent and light microscopy to better understand Varroa destructor reproductive mechanisms

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:24 AM – 9:36 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 226 C, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Justin Hein (he/him/his)

Undergraduate Researcher
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado

Co-Author(s)

Samuel Ramsey

Endowed Professor of Entomology
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado

Apis mellifera are responsible for more than $15 billion in United States crop production every year, making them essential to U.S. agriculture. One of the most detrimental Apis mellifera parasites is Varroa destructor, and little is known about Varroa reproductive mechanisms. More insight into Varroa reproduction has the potential to generate new Varroa control methods, and thus healthier bees. Here, we attempt to get a comprehensive look at Varroa ovum production using fluorescent protein Halo-tagging. Proteins are tracked from the host (Apis mellifera), through the Varroa body, and into the ovum. At the same time, we provide insight into Varroa rearing methods while imaging using light microscopy, a novel way of understanding Varroa reproduction at a macro scale. This comprehensive understanding of Varroa reproduction provides at least one, and likely more opportunities for more effective Varroa control research.