First estimate of genetic parameters for the Syrian honey bee Apis mellifera syriaca

Abstract

Population-specific parameters are important for designing breeding programmes, providing insights into the possible genetic gain achieved in the conditions under which the traits were measured. In the present study, 72 beekeepers and three breeding centres provided performance testing results from 1,088 colonies. (Co)variances were estimated by restricted maximal likelihood (REML). Computations were carried out with both REMLF90 and AIREMLF90 software. In this first approach for Apis mellifera syriaca, a typical representative of the endangered subspecies of the Middle East, we found that the heritabilities for honey production (H) and gentleness (G) were h H 2 =0.27±0.32 and h G 2 =0.08±0.28, respectively. A negative genetic correlation between the two traits was estimated (r HG =−0.50±0.93).Apis mellifera syriaca / genetic correlation / indigenous population / heritability / Syrian honey bee

Subjective evaluation of defensive behavior in the Syrian honeybee (Apis mellifera syriaca)

“…This system is likely not only to increase the repeatability estimate but also the heritability, a genetic parameter most crucial for the selection response. Willam and Eßl (1993) and Zakour et al (2012) reported quite small and identical heritability (0.08) for defensive behavior in a selected A. m. carnica population and in an unselected Syrian honeybee population, respectively. The heritability (h 2 ) of n times repeated measurements of a trait is [n/(1+ (n-1) * r)] ½ larger than h 2 of a trait just measured once.…”

Next generation sequencing of Apis mellifera syriaca identifies genes for Varroa resistance and beneficial bee keeping traits

“…Similar to other honey bee subspecies of the Mediterranean Basin, A. m. syriaca expresses behavioral adaptations to the region, and responds to high temperatures and nectar dearth during dry summer (Zaitoun et al, 2000;Al Ghzawi et al, 2001). The behavioral manifestation includes reduced brood rearing during the hottest months, increased swarming tendency, frequent absconding, ability to adapt egg laying to pollen availability and honey flow, keeping its hive clean, and a somewhat nervous temperament (Ruttner, 1992;Haddad & Fuchs, 2004;Klein & Vaissière, 2007;Zakour et al, 2012).…”

“…In addition to their contribution in production of honey and other valuable products, honey bees remain the most efficient and economic pollinators of crops. A. m. syriaca bees are characterized by a bright yellow color, small size, nervousness, and aggressive defense behavior (Zakour et al, 2012). Moreover, they have an important value for products such as honey, royal jelly, bee wax, propolis, and bee venom.…”

“…Moreover, they have an important value for products such as honey, royal jelly, bee wax, propolis, and bee venom. The behavioral manifestation includes reduced brood rearing during the hottest months, increased swarming tendency, frequent absconding, ability to adapt egg laying to pollen availability and honey flow, keeping its hive clean, and a somewhat nervous temperament (Ruttner, 1992;Haddad & Fuchs, 2004;Klein & Vaissière, 2007;Zakour et al, 2012). Apis mellifera syriaca is the native honey bee subspecies of Jordan, much of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel (Ruttner, 1980(Ruttner, , 1988.…”

“…Apis mellifera syriaca is the native honey bee subspecies of Jordan, much of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel (Ruttner, 1980(Ruttner, , 1988. A. m. syriaca bees are characterized by a bright yellow color, small size, nervousness, and aggressive defense behavior (Zakour et al, 2012). Similar to other honey bee subspecies of the Mediterranean Basin, A. m. syriaca expresses behavioral adaptations to the region, and responds to high temperatures and nectar dearth during dry summer (Zaitoun et al, 2000;Al Ghzawi et al, 2001).…”