Abstract

Two lines of honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) were selectively propagated by instrumental insemination using the population growth of the Varroa mite as a criteria. Different infestation rates are at least partially genetic since selection produced significant bi‐directional differences between lines over a period of three subsequent generations. There was no correlation between several behavioural and physiological characteristics which are potentially associated with Varroa resistance (hygienic behaviour, physical damage to mites, infertility of the intruding mites) and the development of the Varroa population after artificial infestation. There was a positive significant correlation between the total mites in the colonies and the amount of reared brood. Colony infestation was also positively correlated with the amount of honey harvested.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.