Norroa

Norroa is a branded, RNA interference-based biopesticide used in beekeeping to control Varroa destructor mites in honey bee colonies. Developed by GreenLight Biosciences, it contains the active ingredient vadescana, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) oligonucleotide that targets an essential mite gene, interfering with production of a specific protein (including calmodulin) required for mite reproduction.[1][3][7][9] Delivered in sucrose-based pouches placed inside the hive, Norroa is ingested by bees and passed to larvae; phoretic and reproductive mites feeding on treated brood take up the dsRNA, which triggers RNAi-mediated degradation of the mite’s mRNA, preventing successful egg-laying and offspring production rather than directly killing adult mites.[1][3][7][9] Field trials across multiple U.S. regions have shown up to approximately 18 weeks of varroa control from a single application, with no observed adverse effects on adult bees, larvae, or queens, and with EPA registration as an environmentally targeted miticide classified in IRAC Group 35.[1][3][5][8]

Brand names

Norroa

Other names

vadescana