Determining Ways to Protect Honeybee Colonies with GC

A study conducted by the Agriculture Research Centre of Giza, Egypt, and Jilin Agricultural University in China, evaluated the efficacy of stinging nettle extract, nettle smoke, and formic acid in the controlling of Varroa mites, a major threat to honeybee colonies, with a focus on mite infestation reduction, honeybee mortality, and biochemical responses. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify key bioactive compounds in the stinging nettle extract.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor poses a significant threat to honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, which can result in substantial losses in the beekeeping industry worldwide. A joint study conducted by the Agriculture Research Centre of Giza, Egypt, and Jilin Agricultural University in China, evaluated the efficacy of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a potential control agent for Varroa mites, with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) used to identify key bioactive compounds in the stinging nettle extract. A paper based on this research was published in BMC Plant Biology (1).

The western honeybee,Apis melliferaL., is among the most crucial pollinators, and a major participant in agricultural production as well as natural ecosystems worldwide (2,3). Contributing significantly to the success of various crops, honeybees directly impact global food security; they are estimated to pollinate about 30% of the food crops consumed by humans, and their economic value extends into billions of dollars annually through crop yield improvement (4). Honeybees are also prized for producing honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, products that hold both economic and medicinal value and are used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food (5).For example, propolis possesses antimicrobial properties, and royal jelly is used for its potential health benefits, including anti-aging effects (6,7).

Among the many stressors threatening honeybees—such as pathogens, pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and pests—the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae) has emerged as one of the most significant challenges facing modern apiculture (8–10). Varroa harms bees by feeding on their fat tissue and cells, which weakens their immune systems and disrupts essential body (physiological) functions (11,12).

There has been growing interest in botanical insecticides as environmentally friendly, sustainable pest control alternatives to address challenges facing honeybees. These plant-derived compounds are biodegradable, generally safer for non-target organisms, and can offer a rich source of bioactive chemicals with pesticidal properties (13). One such plant showing potential as a natural pest control agent is stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.), which has a unique phytochemical composition. A widely distributed herbaceous plant belonging to the Urticaceae family, stinging nettle has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including as a diuretic, astringent, and antimicrobial agent; its leaves are rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids, compounds associated with various biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (14,15).

This study explored two methods of nettle application, ethanoic extract spray and smoke treatment, and compared their effectiveness with the widely used formic acid (65%) treatment. Researchers noted significant reductions inVarroamite populations in honeybee colonies treated with nettle extract, nettle smoke, and formic acid, with nettle-based treatments showing comparable mite suppression to formic acid. The highest number of droppedVarroamites was recorded in all treated colonies, especially during the early stages of treatment, with the formic acid treatment achieving 100% mite mortality by the end of the treatment period. The biochemical assessment revealed that the treatments had varying effects on honeybee oxidative stress markers, highlighting the potential of the nettle plant to mitigate oxidative damage in bees exposed toVarroamites. GC–MS analysis of nettle ethanoic extract identified several bioactive compounds with insecticidal and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the observed effects (1).

According to the researchers, the results validatethe stinging nettle plant as a promising eco-friendly solution for managingVarroa mites, with the potential to mitigate insecticide resistance. The GC–MS analysis revealed bioactive compounds in stinging nettle, which likely contribute to its protective effects againstVarroamites. Overall, they state that stinging nettle can be considered a viable alternative forVarroacontrol, and can be used safely inside bee colonies, supporting sustainable pest management practices in apiculture without negatively impacting honeybee health (1).

Determining Ways to Protect Honeybee Colonies with GC–MS (2025)