Mitochondrial haplotype analyses of the mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) collected from honeybees Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in Uruguay

The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is currently the main health problem faced by honeybees Apis mellifera in the world. It has been identified that two haplotypes were able of infecting and reproducing in this species: the “Korean haplotype” (K) and the “Japanese haplotype” (J). Both haplotypes differ in their virulence, being the K haplotype more harmful than the J. V. destructor was detected for the first time in Uruguay in 1978, but its effect on honeybees is very different depending on the region of the country. Although the K haplotype predominates in South America, the presence of J haplotype in Uruguay is possible, and may be the cause of different virulence of the mites. The aims of this study were to identify the haplotype of V. destructor existing throughout Uruguay and, at the same time, to present a new strategy of RFLP which that presents an internal positive control of digestion. Despite the differences in the effect of V. destructor on honeybees in different areas of the country, all the colonies evaluated presented the K haplotype. The presence in the past of haplotype J cannot be ruled out, and could be assessed with independent nuclear markers.