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Results of the Europe-wide genotype – environment interactions experiment

The results of the Europe-wide genotype – environment interactions experiment conducted by members of Working group 4 (Diversity and Vitality) will be presented. A total of 621 honey bee colonies, representing 18 different genotypes, were comparatively tested in 16 apiaries across Europe. The colonies were kept without any chemical treatments against Varroa destructor and other diseases. Colony and queen survival were registered continuously, besides bee population development, productivity, feed balance, swarming, gentleness, hygienic behaviour and the infestation with Varroa, Nosema and viruses. The tested genotypes differed in colony development, survival, and in traditional traits such as honey productivity, gentleness and swarming tendency. The latter can at least partially be explained as a consequence of different breeding intensity for these traditional selection characters. However, it is important to note that even for these traits highly significant genotype – environment interactions were observed.25 A high relevance of interactions between honeybee genotypes and different environmental conditions within Europe was observed, showing that the genetic adaption of honey bees to a specific environment influences its population dynamics, health status, productivity, and most importantly, colony survival. Our results highlight the importance of conservation of European honey bee diversity and show that local breeding activities should be encouraged.

genotype-environment interactions; honey bees; vitality; performance; bee subspecies; methodology

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