Varroa-resistant and honey bees

 

Science updates:

Varroa-resistant and honey bees

The research article explores the impact of Varroa mite infestation on honey bee health and the economic implications for beekeepers. Honey bees are crucial agricultural pollinators, contributing significantly to crop growth and the economy. However, over the past two decades, honey bee health has declined, with Varroa mite infestation emerging as a primary predictor of colony mortality. To address this issue, the study compares the performance of Varroa-resistant Hilo honey bees with commercial honey bee populations in terms of colony survival, health, yield, and profit outcomes. The results show that the Varroa-resistant Hilo honey bee population maintained higher survival rates and lower Varroa infestation levels compared to the commercial population, while also retaining a profit value in honey production operations. This information can guide commercial beekeepers in making best management practice decisions and inspire further research to understand the trade-offs present in Varroa-resistant populations.

 

The study employed a common garden approach, deploying 332 experimental colonies across four apiary locations. The analysis focused on key metrics such as colony survival, Varroa infestation, supersedure events, and honey yield. The results revealed significant differences between the Varroa-resistant Hilo honey bees and the commercial honey bee populations, particularly in terms of colony survival, Varroa infestation, queen supersedure, and honey yield. The economic assessment also highlighted the practical monetary value of honey bee colonies in a real-world scenario, with location being a significant determinant of profitability. The study sheds light on the value of incorporating Varroa-resistant traits into existing honey bee populations without compromising honey-making productivity, and the importance of considering breeding approaches to pest management strategies. Additionally, it underlines the need for frequent evaluations and comparisons of different honey bee stocks to ensure the continuous improvement of selection goals and positive outcomes in honey bee populations.

In conclusion, the research provides valuable insights into the economic realities that beekeepers face and offers a comprehensive understanding of key performance metrics for honey bee colonies. By contrasting the performance of Varroa-resistant honey bee populations with commercial populations, the study contributes to a better understanding of the practical implications of breeding decisions and best management practices for beekeepers.

 

Reference:

Avalos, A., Walsh, E., Bixby, M., Card Jr, A., & Card, W. (2024). A colony health and economic comparison of Varroa-resistant Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) and commercial honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, toae094.

 

 

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