New breeding system helps control mites and improve bee survival.
To celebrate World Bee Day, May 20, we thought some good news about bees would be welcome.
Honeybee colonies continue to face serious losses each year due to many challenges. Changes in weather, climate conditions, and land use all affect bee health. However, Varroa mites remain the biggest threat to honeybees in Canada. These mites feed on bees and spread harmful viruses such as deformed wing virus, reducing bee lifespan significantly.
To address this issue, researchers at the University of Guelph’s Honeybee Research Centre have developed a solution. The team, led by Dr. Ernesto Guzman, created the Low Varroa Growth breeding system. This system helps beekeepers select bee colonies with natural resistance to mites.
“Breeding honeybees for resistance to mites will, over time, translate to lower colony losses, less reliance on chemical mite controls and lower labor costs for beekeepers,” said Paul Kelly, research and apiary manager at HBRC.
Honeybees play an essential role in agriculture. They provide pollination for about one-third of the food people consume. Managed honeybee colonies are responsible for most of this work. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seed crops all depend on bees to grow.
The new breeding system is being used across Canada. It is required for participation in the Ontario Resistant Honeybee Selection Program. Researchers are working with beekeepers and industry groups to expand their adoption.
The program’s impact is already visible. Early observations show that colony losses have dropped to about 18% in recent seasons, compared to previous losses of up to 50%.
This research highlights the importance of innovation in protecting bee populations and supporting agricultural production.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Vitaly Gariev