Researchers Test Fungus to Combat Varroa Mites

A new biological control study aims to protect Australian honeybee colonies from the parasitic Varroa mite.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Botany

Macro close-up of intricate fungal spores growing on textured eucalyptus bark, representing natural pest control for honeybee populations. — Researchers in Australia are evaluating Metarhizium fungus as a biological treatment for Varroa mite infestations, which threaten critical honeybee pollination services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Researchers presented findings at the 2026 Australian Almond Conference on using Metarhizium fungus to kill Varroa mites in honeybee colonies. This biological control seeks to address the growing threat of Varroa destructor to Australia's agricultural sector.

Why it matters

The development of non-chemical treatments has become urgent as Varroa mites have shown resistance to existing chemical controls in Queensland and New South Wales. Protecting honeybees is vital for maintaining the pollination services essential to Australian agriculture.

Researchers are testing a naturally occurring fungus that targets Varroa mites to protect bees critical to the $1.3 billion Australian almond industry. Further field tests are required to confirm that the treatment remains safe for honeybees at effective doses.

The players

Australian Almond Conference

This is an annual industry gathering where researchers present findings relevant to the production and protection of almond crops.

The details

The project investigates whether Metarhizium fungus can effectively eradicate Varroa mites without harming the bees they parasitize. Scientists are working to identify precise concentrations that target the parasites effectively given the rising mite resistance to standard chemical treatments.

Varroa mites were first detected in New South Wales in 2022.
The Australian Almond Conference was held in 2026.
Thousands of beehives were transported from Western Australia to South Australia in 2026.

The Big Picture

This development marks a shift toward biological solutions for protecting Australia's agricultural pollination service programmes. It follows a pattern of seeking alternatives to chemical treatments that have lost efficacy due to rising pest resistance.

This research aims to stabilise honeybee populations, which could eventually secure the long-term supply of crops dependent on pollination. Successful field trials would offer beekeepers a safer, non-chemical method to manage hives and reduce the impact of invasive parasites.

The takeaway

Biological controls may soon offer a vital alternative for managing bee health as chemical resistance spreads across states. These efforts are crucial to safeguarding the pollination systems that support a significant portion of the national agricultural economy.