Norroa: A New Era in Varroa Management (357) — Beekeeping Today Podcast

Varroa mites remain the most destructive pest facing honey bees today—but a revolutionary new treatment may finally shift the balance. In this episode, Jeff Ott and Dr. Becky Masterman welcome Adam Pachl, North American Technical Manager for Bee Health at GreenLight Biosciences, to discuss Norroa, the first EPA-approved dsRNA-based treatment for Varroa mites.

Norroa introduces a fundamentally new approach: instead of killing mites outright, it prevents them from reproducing. Adam explains how this RNA interference (RNAi) technology works at the molecular level, blocking the mites' ability to lay viable eggs without harming honey bees or other organisms. He also shares insights from years of field research, including trials across five U.S. states that demonstrated dramatic improvements in colony survival and mite suppression.

Becky and Jeff explore the implications of this technology for beekeepers of all scales—from hobbyists managing a few hives to large-scale commercial operations—and how Norroa fits into an integrated pest management strategy. The discussion covers everything from timing of application, compatibility with other treatments, and safety testing, to potential future uses of RNAi against pests like Tropilaelaps.

For the first time in decades, beekeepers may have a tool that targets Varroa precisely and safely—without collateral damage to the bees they're fighting to protect.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

GreenLight Biosciences. "GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites." 25 Sep 2025. https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/articles/greenlight-biosciences-launches-norroa-the-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites
GreenLight Biosciences. "In the Pipeline: Protecting the Honeybee." https://www.greenlightbiosciences.com/in-the-pipeline-protecting-the-honeybee
GeneOnline. "EPA Registers Norroa as First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites Threatening Honeybee Populations." 25 Sept 2025. https://www.geneonline.com/epa-registers-norroa-as-first-rna-based-treatment-for-varroa-mites-threatening-honeybee-populations
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com
Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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