Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Pen-Han Chen*, Zin-Hao Huang, Pei-Shou Hsu, Chi-Yen Pan, and Tzu-Hsien Wu

Abstract:

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is an essential pollinator and contributes significantly to apiculture. Its health is crucial for food security and agricultural profitability. Varroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite, poses the greatest threat to honey bee health by transmitting pathogens and disrupting development, which negatively affects agricultural productivity. Beekeepers used to control Varroa mites with miticides, but prolonged use has led to mite resistance and miticide residues in honey bee products. In addition to chemical control, social immune behaviors of honey bees, such as worker hygienic behavior can enhance the Varroa mite management by reducing pathogen and mite reproduction. This review explores the methods for breeding Varroa mite-resistant honey bees by: (1) assessing the health status of source colonies; (2) evaluating social immune behavioral competencies and gene expressions for selecting parental colonies; and (3) assessing the performance of social immune traits in progeny colonies. This breeding program will help improve Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Key words:Apis mellifera, Varroa destructor, Social immune behaviors, Integrated pest management

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