Selecting honey bees for resistance to Varroa jacobsoni

Abstract

-This report describes a systematic approach to selecting honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) for resistance to Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans. The equation (P 1 (ab) n = P 2 ) describes the growth of the mite population in a colony of honey bees that has a constant supply of worker brood. P 1 and P, are the initial and final mite populations, a is population change while mites are in brood cells, b is population change outside brood cells and n is the number of reproductive cycles of the mite. By comparing the growth of mite populations in each colony (P 2 /P 1 ), one can determine which bees are more resistant to mites. The values of a, b and n provide details about the growth of the mite population by identifying which portion of the mite's reproductive cycle was affected. Selection should be based on specific characteristics of bees rather than on general changes in mite populations. When specific characteristics of bees affect different components of the reproductive cycle of the mite, it may be possible to combine the characteristics to produce bees that are more resistant to mites. © Inra/DIB/AGIB/Elsevier, Paris

Relationship between dead pupa removal and season and productivity of honey bee (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies

“…Many researchers reported that the level of hygienic behaviour showed variability depending on the subspecies of honey bee and colonies in the same apiary (1,3,6,11,28). For that reason, this behaviour has to be evaluated as a skill arising from genetic differences (2,14,29). On the other hand, in our study during the 5 months, the experimental colonies experienced many internal and external factors, including brood rearing, changes in adult worker bee population, building of combs, nectar and pollen collection, harvesting of honey, parasites, and predators.…”

“…Therefore, it is accepted that hygienic behaviour is the basic mechanism of resistance to diseases and pests. Moreover, this behaviour trait can be improved through selective breeding (14)(15)(16)(17). Assessed in this way, colony-level hygienic behaviour has high heritability, such as h 2 = 0.63 and 0.65 (13).…”

Small-cell comb foundation does not impede Varroa mite population growth in honey bee colonies

“…From cells of brood we calculated the number of cells sealed by applying the multiplier of 0.53 derived by Delaplane (1999). From mites on adult bees and mites in brood we could derive ending mite populations and percentage of mite population in brooda positive indicator of the fecundity of a mite population (Harbo and Harris, 1999 (Harbo, 1996).…”

Investigating the influence of postcapping period on varroa mite infestation

“…Among them, active defense mechanisms such as grooming and hygienic behavior have been most commonly investigated (e.g., Boecking, 1992;Boecking & Spivak, 1999;Harbo & Harris, 1999;Harbo & Hoopingarner, 1997;Peng, Fang, Xu, & Ge, 1987). In grooming behavior, honey bee workers try to get rid of mites, either by grooming themselves or other nestmates.…”