On The Land

7 November, 2026

Using friendly fungi to help protect bees

NEW research unveiled at a major industry conference last month has demonstrated how a naturally occurring fungi may help farmers combat Varroa mites, one of the world’s most destructive honeybee parasites.

Macquarie University researchers told the 2026 Australian Almond Conference they were developing a biological control for Varroa destructor, the parasite mite attacking honeybee colonies and threatening the pollination that underpins the country’s agriculture.

The project is investigating Metarhizium – a naturally occurring fungi that can infect and kill Varroa mites while remaining safe for honeybees.

If future field tests are successful, the newly developed treatment will offer beekeepers a safer, and sustainable form of hive protection.

Varroa was first detected in Australia in New South Wales in 2022 but soon spread to neighbouring states, putting a growing strain on the country’s pollination system.

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