Highlights This study presents a meta-analysis of treatments for the pathogen Varroa destructor. Data was drawn from 138 studies, carried out in 30 countries on 5 continents. Synthetic chemical treatments were effective against the pathogen, but harmed bees. Biological treatments showed promise in improving bee health, but with a small sample. Organic chemical treatments currently…
The global challenge to increase agricultural production goes along with the need of decreasing pesticide risks. The European Union (EU) therefore evaluates and controls the risks posed by pesticides by regulating their authorisation through the science-based Risk Assessment process. Member States can however act in derogation to this process and grant the Emergency Authorisation (EA)…
This mini-review aims at raising the interest in contractile phage tail-like particles (CPTPs) of bacteria as an efficient and pest-specific alternative to conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. CPTPs are used by various bacteria in diverse environments for interbacterial competition or for manipulation of eukaryotic hosts, such as fungi or insects. This review…