After honey production, beeswax ranks second as regards hive product used in industry and cosmetics. In Argentina, the use of commercial wax adulterated with paraffin and other olefins for comb foundation is a common practice. As regards beehives, the progressive accumulation of synthetic acaricides in wax has caused adverse effects on bees, mainly on individuals at different stages of development. Another issue associated with the use of synthetic acaricides is the phenomenon of resistance. This study aimed to determine the presence of adulterants and acaricide residues in commercial wax used in Argentina. Furthermore, the relationship between coumaphos content in wax and the development of mite resistance reported in recent years in Argentina was investigated. The results demonstrate that paraffin is the most common contaminant substance present in recycled beeswax and commercial wax used for comb foundation in the country. Coumaphos was also found to be the most common acaricide present in wax; 87% in commercial and 80% in recycled wax. Fluvalinate was detected in 33% of commercial wax samples and in 27% of recycled wax. A relationship between coumaphos residues and resistance was also established. Future studies should be conducted to establish the mechanisms by which the buildup of acaricides in the beeswax affects the development of resistance in populations of varroa.

SummaryAcaricides used for the control of Varroa destructor are a major source of pollution in a honey bee (Apis mellifera) hive. Because they involve a slow release, they must be present for a period of up to 45 days inside a hive to be effective. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of acaricides in beeswax affects the survival of breeding bees, and if this effect is greater at higher concentrations. Three types of recycled beeswax foundation containing paraffin wax in different proportions (0%, 20% and 40%) were used. Brood survival rate was calculated in each treatment (N°. pupae/N°. Eggs * 100). Acaricide content in wax sheets was determined by multi-residue analysis by GC-ECD. Survival rate was higher when using beeswax adulterated with paraffin. Recycled beeswax without added paraffin wax (0%) had high levels of coumaphos and fluvalinate contamination, and when paraffin wax was added in different percentages (20%, 40%) the concentration of these components was lower. The pres... ResumenLos acaricidas utilizados para el control de Varroa destructor son la mayor fuente de contaminación en las colmenas; ya que implican una liberación lenta del producto, que debe estar presente hasta 45 días en la colmena para ser efectivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la presencia de acaricidas en la cera afecta a la supervivencia de la cría de Apis mellifera y si este efecto es mayor a mayores concentraciones. Se usaron tres tipos de cera estampada reciclada que contenía parafina en diferentes proporciones (0%, 20% y 40%). El ratio de supervivencia de la cría fue calculado para cada tratamiento (N°. pupas/N°. huevos * 100). El contenido de acaricida en las hojas de cera fue determinado por análisis de múltiples residuos mediante GC-ECD. El ratio de supervivencia fue mayor usando cera adulterada con parafina. La cera reciclada sin adición de parafina (0%) tuvo mayores niveles de contaminación de cumafos y fluvalinatos, y cuando se añadió parafina en diferentes porcentajes (20, 40%),...

With the aim of mitigating the negative impact of pests on agriculture, different agrochemicals are being used to maintain pest populations below an acceptable threshold of economic viability. The use of these chemical compounds, or even their misuse, can generate undesirable effects in the ecosystems and non-target organisms. World agricultural production depends on pollinators to generate 35% of food. Bees provide almost 75% of the pollination services worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the agrochemical residues in honey obtained from Apis mellifera colonies located in agro-industrial regions of Argentina. Fifty honey samples form beehive pools of Santa Fe, Córdoba, La Rioja, Formosa, Entre Rios, Corrientes, Buenos Aires, Neuquén, and Río Negro provinces were analyzed. Out of all the samples analyzed, 88% had pesticide residues, being endosulfan sulfate the most widely chemical product reported. This information can be used to identify the provinces at higher risk for developing beekeeping activities, since the presence of these products in beehives can have a negative effect on this industry.