Yves Le Conte: Varroa resistant honey bees: keys for the understanding of a balanced host‑parasite relationship

> Despite the devastating impact of Varroa mites on honey bee health, some populations have been able to mitigate the effects of mite infestation in the absence of management or treatment (Mondet et al. 2021; Moro et al. 2021; Oddie et al. 2021). Le Conte and Mondet examined Varroa resistant honey bee colonies in France to understand the underlying mechanisms by which some bee populations persist. Varroa resistance does not stem from a single factor but a combination of behavioral and physiological changes in honey bee hosts as well as physiological changes in mite pests. Honey bees in resistant colonies were observed to swarm with greater frequency and have a better ability to recognize Varroa-specific chemical compounds. Olfactory genes were overexpressed in resistant bees providing an underlying basis for the recognition of mite compounds. Resistant bees also engaged in elevated levels of hygienic behavior including the removal of infected brood and the collection of greater quantities of propolis. Le Conte also presented evidence for reduced reproductive capabilities and virulence for Varroa in resistant colonies. These specific markers for resistant colonies may provide beekeepers with resources to identify resistance for selective breeding.

* Some of these factors are unrelated to the honey bees' lineage. Unmanaged colonies usually swarm more than managed colonies of the same stock. Reduced virulence of mites has nothing to do with hb stock; rather it is an adaptation on the part of the mites.

PLB

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