DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/19.4.2360
Short communication
Relationships between resistance characteristics of honey bees (Apis mellifera) against Varroa mites (Varroa destructor)
2018, 19 (4) p. 954-958
Martin Buchegger, Ralph Buechler, Birgit Fuerst-Waltl, Marin Kovačić, Alfons Willam
Abstract
Ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, today is one of the main reasons for colony losses worldwide. This study deals with relationships between measurements of resistance characteristics and measurements of bee infestation. During the trial, 105 Apis mellifera carnica colonies were tested according to AGT (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Toleranzzucht) breeding program. Data of hygienic behavior and mite population growth development were obtained. Further, they were evaluated for the traits SMR (Suppressed Mite Reproduction), recapping behavior (REC) and brood infestation. Significant influences of hygienic behavior, SMR and REC on the mite infestation were considered. SMR and REC show relatively high coefficients of regression on mite infestation values. The results show, that SMR and REC might be suitable selection traits to decrease the mite population growth within the colonies.
Keywords
Apis mellifera carnica, hygienic behaviour, recapping, suppressed mite reproduction, Varroa destructor
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