Summary of Research on Varroa Destructor Resistance in Honey Bees

 

Science updates:

Summary of Research on Varroa Destructor Resistance in Honey Bees

The study investigates the transmission of Varroa destructor resistance traits in honey bees, focusing on whether these traits are learned by worker bees or encoded in the queen's genetics. Varroa is a significant pest for beekeepers globally, and understanding how resistance is passed on is crucial for effective bee management without reliance on miticides.

The research involved re-queening mite-resistant colonies with susceptible queens in Hawaii and the UK, and vice versa, to observe the effects on mite levels over time. The study measured mite infestation levels, recapping rates, and the ability to remove mite-infested cells.

 


The results indicated that resistant traits are primarily encoded in the queen rather than learned by worker bees. Colonies led by susceptible queens showed significantly higher mite levels compared to those led by resistant queens, regardless of the presence of resistant workers.

 


In both Hawaii and the UK, colonies with mite-naïve queens experienced a significant increase in mite infestation levels over time, while those with resistant queens maintained stable levels.

 


The study found that recapping rates, which are associated with hygienic behavior, remained high in resistant colonies but were significantly lower in colonies with susceptible queens. This behavior is crucial for controlling mite populations.

 


All colonies led by susceptible queens eventually died out, while those with resistant queens survived, highlighting the importance of using locally mated resistant queens for effective bee management.

 

The research underscores the significance of queen genetics in the transmission of Varroa resistance traits in honey bees. By focusing on breeding practices that prioritize resistant queens, beekeepers can enhance the health and sustainability of their colonies in the face of ongoing pest challenges.

 


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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