Breeding for resistance to Varroa destructor in Europe*

Beekeeping & Apiculture Forum

Help Support Beekeeping & Apiculture Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Finman

Queen Bee
Joined
Nov 8, 2008
Messages
27,887
Reaction score
2,022
Location
Finland, Helsinki
Hive Type
Langstroth
.
Year 2009, 16 pages

http://www.prodinra.inra.fr/prodinra/pinra/data/2010/07/PROD201081c321d3_20100727115902749.pdf

Abstract – The rich variety of native honeybee subspecies and ecotypes in Europe offers a good genetic
resource for selection towards Varroa resistance. There are some examples of mite resistance that have developed
as a consequence of natural selection in wild and managed European populations. However, most
colonies are influenced by selective breeding and are intensively managed, including the regular use of miticides.
We describe all characters used in European breeding programs to test for Varroa resistance. Some of
them (e.g., mite population growth, hygienic behavior) have been implemented in large-scale selection programs
and significant selection effects have been achieved. Survival tests of pre-selected breeder colonies
and drone selection under infestation pressure are new attempts to strengthen effects of natural selection
within selective breeding programs. Some perspectives for future breeding activities are discussed.
 
no time to read it all now but have already scanned some interesting gems ( check out the adriatic island experiment )
nice one finman
 
.
Document references is huge. 4 pages.
There you find much to read. It tells too how much work has been done to reviele the varroa issue.
 
.
Document references is huge. 4 pages.
There you find much to read. It tells too how much work has been done to reviele the varroa issue.

i only read the top and bottom, but very interesting, thanks Finman. seems theres hope for an end to varroa when bees can do for themselves. now where can I buy some of these queens...?

Roger
 
Back
Top