Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Agricultural Research
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Varroa mite infestation, caused by the Varroa destructor mite, is one of the major health challenges facing Apis mellifera. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxalic acid on the control of Varroa mite infestation. The study was conducted at the Chiriquí campus of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Panama, using 18 beehives. The response variables were assessed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and for homogeneity of variances using Levene’s test. The final weight and weight gain were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The diagnosis was assessed using a nonparametric chi-square test. The fixed factors affecting efficacy were analyzed using the chi-square test, and interactions were assessed using Fisher’s exact test. Costs were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that the initial infestation was moderate and similar across apiaries. Fluvalinate (chemical) was the most effective (99.9 %), while oxalic acid (organic) achieved efficacy rates between 75 % and 85 %, which are considered effective as an organic alternative. No significant differences were found in final weight or weight gain among treatments, indicating that both treatments helped maintain the biological stability of the hives. In the economic analysis, oxalic acid had the lowest cost per hive (0.70 USD), compared to fluvalinate (5.40 USD). Fluvalinate was the most effective treatment; however, oxalic acid is the most viable and cost-effective option.
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