Evaluation of Varroa mite tolerance in honey bees

Abstract

Breeding honey bees for specificdefined characteristics to obtain Varroa mite-tolerant bees appears to be difficult. Instead, it is suggested that the daily rate of mite population growth during optimal mite breeding conditions be used to determine the breeding value for mite tolerance in evaluated colonies. The precision needed to establish mite population growth will determine if samples of adult bees at different occasions will suffice, or if more detailed measurements of the mite population is required. Threshold levels for mite population densities before mite control is required should be adjusted for diff erentgeographical regions and foraging conditions.

Published in

Contemporary Topics in Entomology
2011, pages: 21-24
Title: Honey Bee Colony Health : Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
Publisher: CRC Press

SLU Authors

• Fries, Ingemar

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology

Publication identifier

• ISBN: 978-1-4398-7940-5

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/132305