Les Eccles, Melanie Kempers, Daniel Thurston, Dan Borges, Kelsey Ducsharm
A. Breeding and Maintaining Parasitic Mite Resistant Honey Bee Stocks:
1. Maintenance of the Hygienic Trait in Ontario Bee Stocks (TTP)
Hygienic behaviour is important for mite and disease resistance within a colony. Colonies which ranked in Group 1 (>80% of killed brood cells removed) and Group 2 (60-80% of killed brood cells removed) were recommended for use as breeders for the subsequent generation.
2. Health Status of Colonies Tested in the Breeding Program (TTP)
Honey bee samples were collected from potential breeder colonies. At the time of hygienic behaviour testing, forager bees were collected. Bees were also collected from the brood chamber before treatments were applied in the fall. Varroa and tracheal mite infestation levels were determined and nosema spore levels analyzed as an indication of the health of the colonies. Monitoring the health of breeder colonies will ensure the quality of the bee stock produced in Ontario.
3. Queen Fertility Testing (TTP)
Honey bee queens raised within established breeding programs were analyzed for mating success by determining sperm counts and sperm viability within the spermatheca. Queens were also analyzed for the presence of nosema and any noticeable damage.
B. Management Practices to Improve Honey Bee Colony Health:
1. Mid-Season Treatment Methods to Control Varroa Mites During a Honey Flow
2. Grooming Behaviour
Scientists agree that the mite Varroa destructor and one of the viruses it transmits, Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), are critical factors causing winter colony mortality. Winter hardy, mite and virus tolerant stock that is locally produced is an essential part component of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, and the most sustainable method of control of these losses. This project responds to this urgent need. Bees will be bred for reduced mite population growth in beekeepers’ operations during two seasons and the selected population will be evaluated for colony survival, health, mite levels, DWV levels and genes associated with resistance.
C. Progressive Training and Information Program for Beekeepers:
1. Introductory Beekeeping Workshops
2. IPM for Beekeeping Workshops
3. Introductory Queen Rearing Workshop
4. Advanced Queen Breeding Workshop
5. Advanced IPM Workshop
6. Advanced Pollination Workshop
7. Online Introductory Beekeeping Workshop
8. Antimicrobial Management for Beekeeping Training Workshop (for Veterinarians)