Journal
APIDOLOGIE
Volume 41, Issue 3, Pages 393-408Publisher
SPRINGER FRANCE
DOI: 10.1051/apido/2010011
Keywords
Varroa resistance; breeding program; tolerance character; vitality; natural selection
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The rich variety of native honeybee subspecies and ecotypes in Europe offers a good genetic resource for selection towards Varroa resistance. There are some examples of mite resistance that have developed as a consequence of natural selection in wild and managed European populations. However, most colonies are influenced by selective breeding and are intensively managed, including the regular use of miticides. We describe all characters used in European breeding programs to test for Varroa resistance. Some of them (e. g., mite population growth, hygienic behavior) have been implemented in large-scale selection programs and significant selection effects have been achieved. Survival tests of pre-selected breeder colonies and drone selection under infestation pressure are new attempts to strengthen effects of natural selection within selective breeding programs. Some perspectives for future breeding activities are discussed.
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