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Collaborative project: Selection and distribution of varroa resistant honey bees by utilisation of the trait 'Surpressed mite reproduction (SMR)' in established breeding programmes. Subproject 1 (SMR-Selektion)
Project
Project code: 2819111018
Contract period: 01.03.2019
- 28.02.2022
Budget: 628,190 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: animal breeding, animal health, genetic resources, bees, animal genetic resources, parasitology
The collaborative project SMR-Selektion aimed for a deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms against Varroa-mites in honeybees and the selective breeding towards those traits. The focus was set on suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) and recapping behaviour (REC) in German Carnica and Buckfast breeding stocks. The bee institute Kirchhain and bee institute Hohen Neuendorf e.V. worked together with the breeding associations AGT and GdeB as well as the German Beekeepers' Association. In total, more than 3000 queens of known origin were tested according to standardized protocols. Beside the ongoing improvement of Varroa-resistance by selective breeding, this data was used to estimate breeding values based on genetic parameters for the first time. In addition, extensive study setups gained insights into the underlying mechanisms of SMR and REC, which were used to improve testing protocols. Newly established breeding value estimation, improved methods and preselected Carnica and Buckfast queens lay the foundation for future breeding efforts towards Varroa-resistance and increased honeybee health.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal breeding
- Beekeeping and health
- Genetic Resources
