Five years of bi-directional genetic selection for honey bees resistant and susceptible to Varroa jacobsoni

Abstract

Two lines of Apis mellifera carnica were selectively propagated from an assembled parental stock through four generations. The resulting lines of bees diverged to be comparatively resistant and susceptible, respectively, to Varroa jacobsoni. Much of this phenotypic variation in honey bee response to Varroa has a genetic component. Since important portions of this genetic variation are additive, selective breeding shows good promise for providing the desired long-term solutions to Varroa mite difficulties. -Authors