University of The Philippines Los Baos College of Arts and Sciences Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics Second

Semester, A.Y. 2012-2013 ____________________________

Special Problem Proposal

January 14, 2013 MB 114

Maria TOP SEC R E T Blanche Enryk L. Leyeza Jose Paulo J. Walican

B.S. Mathematics
Dr. Editha C. Jose Prof. Jomar F. Rabajante Advisers

Mr. Alejandro C. Fajardo, Jr. Co-Adviser (UPLB Bee Program)

Title

A Monte Carlo Simulation TOP SECRET Describing the Spread of Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera Colonies

Problem

How can we describe the TOP SECRET behavior of Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera colonies?

Objectives

The research aims to simulate the behavior of TOP SECRET Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera colonies using Monte Carlo Simulation.

Objectives

Specifically, this study aims to:

TOP SECRET

Objectives

Specifically, this study aims to: compute the rate by TO P SECRE T which mites spread ;

Objectives

Specifically, this study aims to: compute the rate by TO P SECRE T which mites spread ; determine the pattern of mite distribution; and

Objectives

Specifically, this study aims to: compute the rate by TO P SECRE T which mites spread ; determine the pattern of mite distribution; and compare the simulated results from the actual results.

Background

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite of Apis mellifera, the native European honey bee. This mite can transmit a virus, TOP SE CRET known as Deformed Wing Virus, which causes the inability of the bees to fly. Aside from that, this virus shortens the lifespan of honey bees.

Background

As mentioned earlier, it can be a factor of the so-called Colony Collapsed Disorder where a colony with T 30,000 bees infested OP SECRET with 2,000 mites, for instance, could all die[4].

Background

Varroa destructor does not only kill commercialized honey bees but also most of the worlds wild [3] honey bees The mites also T O P .S E C RET endangers the honey industry in the Philippines specially those engaged in small-scale farming.

Significance

If the behavior of mites at the early stage of TOP SECRET infestation is determined, exacerbated effects may be prevented

Significance

Results may be relayed to small-scale farmers to TOP SECRET help them protect their colonies from severe infestation

Significance

Minimize the cost on miticides by knowing the TOP SECRET optimal time of controlling the mites

Methodology
1.

Three non-infected four-framed Apis mellifera colonies were

selected from this study.

TOP SECRET

Methodology
2.

Petroleum jelly-coated illustration boards were installed under a screened bottom board. This was done to trap the mites that will fall TOP SECRET to the bottom board.

Methodology
3.

The larvae of a frame were marked using plastic covers laid over the frame.
TOP SECRET

Methodology
4.

On the 18th day, just before the larva emerges, capped cells are opened to check the presence of mites inside the cell. The distance TOP SECRET between cells which turned out positive are measured. The brood containing the mite is also recovered and stored in alcohol at 10C.

Methodology
5.

During the duration of the experiment, the bottom board is checked everyday to count the number of mites falling on the TOP SECRET bottom board. The mites are collected and placed in 90% ethanol.

Methodology
6.

For one week, the presence of phoretic mites is checked by setting up a video camera pointing at the entrance of the TOP SECRET hive for 15 minutes.

Date and Setting

Experiments were done at the Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB from October 31 to December 14, the T O P 2012 S E C R Eunder T supervision of the UPLB Bee Program.

Assumption

It is assumed that:
TOP SECRET

Assumption

It is assumed that: The weather is tropical and it does not TOP SE C R E T affect the facts to be stated.

Assumption

It is assumed that: There are no drone cells.

TOP SECRET

Assumption

It is assumed that: The queen lays eggs everyday; T O P thus, S E C R E T there is an equal number of eggs, larvae and capped cells for every specific age at any given point.

Assumption

It is assumed that: There are no phoretic mites. T O P S E C R E T

Assumption

It is assumed that: A mite immediately choosesT O a P cell S E C R E upon T emerging.

Photo: Honeybee Blues, 2009

Assumption

It is assumed that: Number of mites emerging (i.e. T O P is S Econstant CRET natural mortality determined).

Factors

The following should be considered as facts:

TOP SECRET

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Number of laid TO P S eggs ECRET everyday[2]

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Number of laid TO P S eggs ECRET everyday[2] Egg development: 3 days
[1]

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Number of laid TO P S eggs ECRET everyday[2] Egg development: 3 days
[2]

Worker

larvae development: 5 days [2]

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Capped T O stage P S E C R E T worker: 13 days [2]

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Capped T O stage P S E C R E T worker: 13 days [2] Adult worker lifespan: 21 days + forager [2]

Factors

The following should be considered as facts: Capped T O stage P S E C R E T worker: 13 days [2] Adult worker lifespan: 21 days + forager [2] Forager lifespan: 4-16 days [2]

References
[1] V. Dietemann et al. (2012),Varroa destructor: research avenues toward sustainable control, Journal of Apicultural Research, Vol.51, No.1, pp. 125-132, 2012. [2] G. DeGrandi-Hoffman & R. Curry, A mathematical model of varroa mite (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and honeybe Apis mellifera L.) population TOP ( S ECR ET dynamics, International journal of acarology, Vol.30, No.3, pp. 259-274, 2004. [3] S. MacKinnon (Executive Producer), & S. Moore (Director), Honeybee blues (Motion picture),Mitra Films, Australia. [4] University of Sheffield (2012, June 7), Highly contagious honey bee virus transmitted by mites, ScienceDaily, Retrieved January 8, 2013, from <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/1206 07142357.htm>