Worldwide, honey bees are in a state of decline. Among the many potential causative factors, Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestation is largely recognized as a primary mechanism for colony health failure. Naturally occurring monoterpenoids such as thymol and carvacrol (constituents of oil of thyme and oil of origanum) have recently shown promise as volatile-based acaracides against the Varroa mite. Nevertheless, efficient and selective delivery of these molecules remains a challenge. This study investigated whether glycosylated monoterpenoids could be utilized as pro-drug acaracides in honey bee hives. To this end, thymol and carvacrol were synthetically glycolsylated with protected glucose derivatives. Bulk quantities of both molecules were produced after selective deprotection. Current toxicity studies and acaracidal activity are being carried out.

Synthesis of glycosylated thymol as a potential acaracidal protective agent for honey bees

248th National Meeting (2014)

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