A new, simple method for rearing diploid drones in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract

Seven Apis mellifera carnica queens were instrumentally inseminated with the semen of their own sons. Diploid drone offspring of these queens were raised using two established techniques including elaborate laboratory manipulations, and a new approach. The new approach, based on routine beekeeping, uses small mating nuclei, which rear diploid drones to the adult stage late in the season. No labour and cost intensive feeding, nor grafting and incubation steps are needed. The ploidy level of the drone offspring was evaluated using seven DNA microsatellites. All drones reared by the elaborate techniques and more than 90% of the drones reared in a small mating nucleus were definitely diploid. This technique allows for easy and simple diploid drone rearing even in research groups with no sophisticated equipment.