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. 2023 Nov;35(6):655-663.
doi: 10.1177/10406387231172141. Epub 2023 May 4.

Mite non-reproduction, recapping behavior, and hygienic behavior (freeze-kill method) linked to Varroa destructor infestation levels in selected Apis mellifera colonies

Marie-Lou Morin  1 , Pierre Giovenazzo  1
Affiliations

Mite non-reproduction, recapping behavior, and hygienic behavior (freeze-kill method) linked to Varroa destructor infestation levels in selected Apis mellifera colonies

Marie-Lou Morin et al. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

The genetic selection of honey bees (Apis mellifera) possessing specific social hygienic behaviors offers the beekeeping industry the possibility of controlling the Varroa destructor parasite and thus reducing its dependence on acaricides. However, the links between these behavioral traits are not yet well defined, which limits genetic progress in breeding programs. We measured the following behavioral varroa resistance traits: freeze-kill brood (FKB) and pin-kill brood (PKB) assays, varroa-sensitive hygiene (VSH), pupae removal, mite non-reproduction (MNR), and recapping activity. We found 2 negative and significant relationships: 1) between the recapping of cells infested with varroa and the total number of recapped cells, and 2) between the recapping of cells infested with varroa and VSH. We also selected the best predictive model of varroa infestation levels using the "step-wise" approach based on the Akaike information criterion. Our model revealed that MNR and FKB were significantly related to the varroa population levels, with a negative relationship; recapping was significantly related to mite infestation levels, with a positive relationship. Thus, a higher MNR or FKB score was linked to lower levels of mite infestation in colonies on August 14 (prior to fall infestation treatments); a higher recapping activity was linked to a higher level of mite infestation. Recapping behavior could be a useful trait to aid the selection of varroa-resistant bee lineages.

Keywords: Apis mellifera; Varroa destructor; honey bees; hygienic behavior; mite non-reproduction; recapping.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Modified frames used for testing varroa-sensitive hygiene, pupae removal, mite non-reproduction, and recapping activity. This frame was placed in a varroa-infested colony, then each section was placed in a testing colony. A. Langstroth frame with foundation cut in half. B. Langstroth frame taken apart, foundation cut in half. C. Half of foundation mounted in frame. (Photos by S. Rouleau-Breton).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Varroa-related colony phenotypes correlation matrix using the Spearman rank-order coefficient statistic. Correlation coefficients (reported as ρ values) are shown for each pairwise comparison. Shaded blue cells represent positive correlations, and red cells represent negative correlations. Darker hues indicate stronger correlations as indicated by the correlation color gradient on the right.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Relationship between mite non-reproduction and mite infestation level in colonies on August 14. Prediction model is represented by a full line, 95% CIs by dotted lines, and original data of each colony by points.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Relationship between freeze-kill brood test and mite infestation level in colonies on August 14. Prediction model is represented by a full line, 95% CIs by dotted lines, and original data of each colony by points.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Relationship between total recapping activity and mite infestation level in colonies on August 14. Prediction model is represented by a full line, 95% CIs by dotted lines, and original data of each colony by points.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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