750085Novel methods of controlling Varroa MitesClosedVouchersInnovate UKHumans rely upon insects such as the Honeybee for pollination of major field crops such as oil seed rape and legumes. Many soft fruits, orchard crops and vegetables also need insect pollination. Currently the honeybee populations are being decimated by insecticides, disease and a potent mite called Varroa destructor. Varroa mites live within a bee hive, feeding on the blood of the bees and their larvae. As the mite population increases, the honeybee colony becomes weaker and can ultimately die. Honeybees are worth over £200m to the UK economy each year through pollination, so food security is at threat if bees continue to decline.Current treatments for the Varroa mites are not effective, often damaging bees in an attempt to destroy the mites. Therefore AcquaScience and The John Innes Centre Norwich, under the supervision of Dr Ian Bedford, are collaborating to develop an innovative new, environmentally safe treatment that utilises natural products. Our current results show promise of success in producing an effective new product for treating Varroa mites.