An in silico study into the bioacaricide power of the Algerian argan tree against Varroa destructor

Abstract

Varroa destructor is the parasitic mite of the honeybee, Apis mellifera. It presents a major threat to the health of bees and to the quality and quantity of honey. Varroa destructor have increased their resistance to acaricides; consequently, the mites or their vector viruses become more virulent. Infested colonies, commonly referred to as ‘mite bombs’, facilitate the dispersal of mites and transmission of disease to stronger and healthier colonies. Acaricides are the most used means of control, although the use of these chemical products has a negative impact on the health of bees, the quality of honey, human health, and the environment. The argan tree of the genus Argania is a tropical tree of the Sapotaceae family. This plant is very important economically. The argan tree is the source of biologically active and edible oil. In this context, we aim to test the bioacaricide power of the argan tree to fight the V. destructor by molecular modelling methods.