This reminds me of a paper I read recently which sounds ludicrous and
probably isn´t feasible, but theoretically: if we could find a "varroa
nondestructor" that doesn´t kill colonies, but a high enough reproduction
rate to (out)compete v.destructor it could be used to prevent infection of
colonies with bad varroa by good varroa. Similar principle as with our
microbiome. The positive/neutral bacteria protect skin/gut etc by
colonizing it first and defending their claim against pathogens.
https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/2294.pdf
I don´t think it's a good idea. But certainly a funny/fascinating one.
(Simpons illustrated the concept as well :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0euMFAWF8)
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