Testing novel RNAi solutions for sustainable Varroa mite management

Summary

Australian beekeepers facing the rapid spread of Varroa destructor risk becoming increasingly reliant on chemical miticides, raising concerns around residue accumulation, resistance development, and long term sustainability of Varroa control. RNA interference (RNAi)–based biopesticides offer a promising, non chemical alternative that is highly specific to Varroa and safe for bees, making them well-suited for integrated pest management.
RNAi works by delivering double stranded RNA (dsRNA) to disrupt essential mite genes, leading to reduced fitness or mortality. While RNAi has proven effective against Varroa, conventional dsRNA molecules degrade rapidly, which can limit their effectiveness under hive conditions, where treatments are delivered indirectly via bees. Overcoming this instability is critical for achieving reliable field performance.
CSIRO has developed novel dsRNA designs with enhanced stability and biological activity compared with conventional molecules. Initial laboratory trials using these advanced molecules against Varroa have shown increased mite mortality and gene silencing, demonstrating their potential for improved control.
This project will validate these preliminary results by evaluating the efficacy of the advanced dsRNA designs on additional Varroa gene targets and progressing the most effective gene–dsRNA design combination to nucleus colony trials to demonstrate the practicality, safety, and real-world effectiveness of RNAi treatments for beekeepers.
This project will deliver valuable efficacy data to support the development of scalable, RNAi based Varroa treatments using CSIRO’s advanced dsRNA technology, reducing reliance on chemical miticides and strengthening sustainable Varroa management in Australia.

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Objective Summary

• Evaluate efficacy of advanced dsRNA molecules targeting Varroa mites
• Generate robust data under laboratory and hive-based conditions
• Assess potential negative effects on honey bees from dsRNA treatments