Workshops on Selecting for Varroa-Resistant Bees Coming this Winter

Breeding for varroa-resistant bees using the varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH), or other traits, in New Zealand’s honey bee stocks is essential if Kiwi beekeepers are to conquer varroa, believe the Bee Breeding NZ Group (formerly NZ Bee Breeders Association). The team formed in 2022 and is headed by Ashburton beekeeper Rae Butler with Dr Linda Newstrom-Lloyd as science adviser. This winter they are inviting beekeepers to educational workshops in both the North and South Islands as they strive to help the industry take a big step forward in advancing varroa resistance.

By Bee Breeding Group NZ (BBGNZ)

The workshops will teach new and improved practical beekeeping skills and strategies to combat varroa mites by increasing the levels of varroa-resistant bees in your stock. Locations and dates will be confirmed based on demand.

Participants in the Bee Breeding Group NZ’s July workshops will learn how to use the Harbo Quick Test to find and select for varroa resistance, among other bee-breeding tips and tricks.

Much has been learned since the 2023 workshop. Our practical tools and current strategies draw on three years of successful field testing of new methods, as well as on studying international successes through consultations, networking, webinars, and the global scientific literature.

The aim of these one-day workshops is to provide practical technology transfer based on Rae’s field experience. Choosing varroa-resistant bees can quickly reduce the need for varroa treatments and greatly improve honeybee health in your colonies. This will decrease beekeeping costs and help prevent colony losses.

The workshop is suitable for all beekeepers, from small-scale to commercial operations, as well as queen breeders and producers who want to learn field methods and selection strategies for identifying and selecting varroa resistance traits in bees. Whether you are purchasing or producing resistant bee stock, this workshop will help you understand how to evaluate the levels of varroa resistance in your bees and provide the tools to retain, sustain, and increase those levels. The long-term goal is to minimise the need for varroa treatments and ultimately establish widespread bee populations that do not require varroa treatments at all.

At the workshop, you will learn how to:

• Find, measure, and select for varroa resistance in your own colonies by:

  • making field observations in your colonies

  • using mite monitoring thresholds and trend lines

  • testing for resistance using the most suitable methods

• Introduce high-performing varroa-resistant queens into your colonies by:

  • purchasing or accepting exchanges from reliable sources

  • using consumer awareness when buying varroa-resistant queens

  • checking if the resistance is expressed in the next generations

Ashburton beekeeper Rae Butler will lead several workshops, this winter, to help further education into breeding honey bees for varroa resistance. Beekeepers are invited to register their interest now.

• Maintain and increase the levels of resistant bees in your operation by:

  • continuing to test and select daughters from high-performing queens

  • keeping desirable beekeeping traits while selecting for resistance

  • using the Harbo Quick Test for greater accuracy and speed in selecting queens

  • employing the Harbo Scoring System and Confidence Grades

• Accelerate your breeding programs and selection methods by:

  • keeping good records to track varroa-resistant queens and their drones

  • exploring options for advanced breeding techniques and strategies

  • considering the advantages of instrumental insemination if desired

  • understanding the use of open versus closed mating and drone saturation

Importantly, these breeding efforts must also retain the productive traits beekeepers rely on, including honey production, temperament, colony strength, and overwintering ability. To do this, you can focus on selecting for varroa-resistance traits in your highest-performing bee stock at the same time as you are conducting your normal everyday operations, such as honey production or pollination services.

Breeding for varroa resistance can be undertaken individually or collectively; regardless of your approach, it is an ongoing opportunity for all beekeepers to combat mite infestations. New Zealand is well-positioned to implement various strategies that lead to the widespread selection of varroa-resistant bees. The benefits of selection programs will spread as the frequency of resistance alleles (genetics) increases across New Zealand's bee populations.

Full-day workshops will be held in both the North and South Islands in July, with locations confirmed based on registered interest and possibly including Hamilton, Napier, Gisborne, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

While costs are subsidised by the Honey Industry Trust, a $50 registration fee remains.

Registration can be made here.

Email Rae Butler at runny.honey@extra.co.nz for any questions about the workshops or call 027 430 1106.