> But, we do know that as a general statement there are several non-coding
genes for each coding gene and those non-coding genes can be millions of
bases away from the coding gene they regulate.

The above stands out as a very important point.
For example, the uncapping behavior exhibited by most strains of
mite-resistant bloodlines (including my own).  This critical behavior
requires a number of coding and regulatory genes.
First, a bee must have a gene the codes for the olfactory receptor protein
that binds to whatever odorant that initiates an action potential to that
bee's brain.
And then a switch in that bee's brain must be flipped to initiate the
chewing off of the capping.
And behavior requires the initiation of already-extant behavioral cascades
for chewing behavior.
And then there must be alleles for either that worker or another to assay
the exposed pupa, and determine whether to cannibalize it or not.

My point is, that there are likely a number of coding and regulatory genes
involved, and they do not need to be near each other on a chromosome, or
even on the same chromosome.

And they may not necessarily even be required in the same patrilines of
workers (one patriline might exhibit uncapping behavior), while a different
patriline deals with hygienic removal of certain pupa, and a third
patriline may exhibit recapping behavior (this trait is already present by
default).

And that's not to mention whether the olfactory signals for uncapping or
cannibalization are odors "intentionally" produced by mite-wounded, or
virus-infected pupae.  The worker larvae of Apis ceranae have apparently
evolved to produce an olfactory response to one protein in varroa saliva.

Mite resistance might sound simple, but the genetics involved may be
complex.


Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
530 277 4450
ScientificBeekeeping.com

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