Science updates: Varroa mite resistance & queen honey bees
Science updates:
Varroa mite resistance & queen honey bees
The study aimed to determine if hygienic behaviors, which are key to Varroa resistance, are passed from worker bees to others through learning or if these traits are genetically encoded in the queen and thus inherited by her offspring.
The researchers conducted experiments in both Hawaii and the UK, re-queening colonies with either mite-naïve or resistant queens to observe the effects on Varroa levels over time. After several months, they found that colonies headed by resistant queens maintained lower mite levels, regardless of the initial worker population. This suggests that resistance is a trait transmitted by the queen rather than learned by workers.
The study also found that beekeepers can propagate Varroa-resistant traits by re-queening susceptible colonies with locally mated queens from resistant populations. This method is already practiced by some beekeepers in the UK and Hawaii.
The research highlights that Varroa-resistant honey bee populations have developed similar resistance mechanisms across different regions, involving the detection and removal of mite-infested brood by worker bees. This behavior leads to a reduction in the reproductive cycles of Varroa mites and lower viral loads within the colony.
The study's findings are important for beekeepers looking to transition to treatment-free beekeeping, as it provides insight into how to successfully pass on mite resistance to the next generation of honey bees. The research also emphasizes the potential for honey bee colonies to naturally develop resistance to Varroa destructor over time, offering hope for sustainable beekeeping practices without reliance on miticides.
Reference:
Martin, S. J., Grindrod, I., Webb, G., Toft, R., & Villalobos, E. (2024). Resistance to Varroa destructor is a trait mainly transmitted by the queen and not via worker learning. Apidologie, 55(4), 40.
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