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ONTARIO BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION’S
2006 Honey Bee Breeding Program
 TECH TRANSFER PROGRAM

              Supported by
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario Beekeepers' Association

    Alison Skinner, M.Sc. alison_bee@yahoo.com
            Janet Tam, B.Sc
           Melanie Kempers, B.Sc
              

There were four components in the 2006 honey bee breeding program conducted by the Tech - Transfer Team. Hygienic testing was completed for the ninth year. 304 potential breeder colonies, from 12 bee breeders, were tested using the liquid nitrogen freeze kill method. This testing occurred from late July through to the end of August. Bee breeders were provided with their results which ranked the tested colonies from most to least hygienic and separated the tested colonies into four groups. Colonies ranked in group 1 (> 75% of dead brood uncapped and removed) and group 2 (50 to 75% of dead brood uncapped and removed) were suggested for use as breeders in the next generation of bees. 

The top ranking hygienic colonies were submitted for tracheal mite resistance testing on September 8th. Known as the ‘Quick Test’, 2006 was the 15th year of testing in Ontario. Frames of emerging brood from 72 potential breeder colonies were shipped to Cameron by 7 bee breeders. These frames were incubated in individual frame cages overnight. Emerged bees were tagged and then exposed to known levels of tracheal mites for 7 days. The tagged bees were collected from the mite source colonies and dissected to determine tracheal mite prevalence and abundance. Tested colonies were ranked and placed in four groups each representing 25% of the tested stock. Potential breeder colonies in groups 1 and 2 were suggested for use in the 2007 breeding program. These colonies would exhibit both hygienic behaviour and tracheal mite resistance.

Throughout July and August five bee breeders sent 27 queens and their attendants for the queen quality survey. Queens and attendants were checked visually for varroa mites, dissected to determine tracheal mite prevalence and the ventriculus were removed and examined for the presence of nosema spores. The spermatheca was removed from each queen and the number of sperm was estimated. In addition, each queen was examined microscopically for physical damage to the legs, antennae and wings. The purpose of this survey was to determine the prevalence of diseases in queen production colonies, to determine if the queens were well-mated and to look for physical damage to queens that have been caged and possibly banked. This survey was completed for the 6th time in the history of the breeding program. 

The 5th annual survey of the health of potential breeder colonies involved seven bee breeders and 165 samples, to date (more samples expected). Bee breeders were provided with sample jars containing alcohol and were requested to collect approximately 150 bees per colony. Samples were taken from the brood chamber of potential breeder colonies in the fall prior to treatment application. The number of varroa per 100 bees, tracheal mite prevalence and the number of nosema spores per bee were determined. 

The 12 bee breeders who participated in some or all of the breeding program components are dedicated to improving the mite resistant stock in the province. For a list of bee breeders involved in the program, scroll down.

THE ONTARIO BEE BREEDING MODEL by Doug McRory, Provincial Apiarist

QUEEN & NUC PRODUCERS

The following are members of the Ontario Bee Breeders' 
and have either queens (Q), queen cells (QC) or nucs (N) for sale. The Members with an asterisk *  beside their name have been involved in the Mite resistant program actively selecting, annually testing and breeding for mite-resistant stock. If they are not listed as Buckfast, Carniolan or Italian, then they have Ontario selected stock.  Many sell directly to beekeepers; some sell to the beekeeper supply companies only.

Producers are permitted to use stock only from locations free of AFB.

Queen and nuc producers are required to obtain permits from apiary inspectors.  Please refer to the OMAFRA website http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info_honeybeequeen.htm to confirm permit status.  These permits are valid until the end of June in the following season.  A small sticker with the permit number must accompany each shipment.  More information on mite status and further details.

 

The following have Queens, Queen Cells or Nucs for Sale:

Virginia Steckle, Business Administrator
Ontario Beekeepers' Association
Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
519-565-2622 phone
519-565-5452 fax