Resistance of Varroa destructor to most commonly used synthetic acaricides.

This review presents different aspects of Varroa destructor resistance to most commonly used contact acaricides. It is concerned with (1)--genetic background of the mechanism of this resistance, (2)--phenomenon of cross-resistance, (3) spread of discussed resistance throughout Europe and North America, (4)--methods of combating varroa resistance. The authors conclude that a rapid and sensitive DNA based test, enabling early detection of varroa resistance to pyrethroids and other contact acaricides is urgently needed.