Free Access
| Issue |
Apidologie
Volume 31, Number 4, July-August 2000
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 471 - 478 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2000139 | |
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2000139
Apidologie 31 (2000) 471-478
Changes in a population of Apis mellifera L. selected for hygienic behaviour and its relation to brood disease tolerance
M. Alejandra Palacioa - Emilio E. Figinib - Sergio R. Ruffinengoa - Edgardo M. Rodriguezb - Marcelo L. del Hoyob - Enrique L. Bedascarrasbureb
aUnidad Integrada INTA, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, UNMdP,
PROAPI, C.C. 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
bFacultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Campus Universitario Paraje Arroyo Seco,
PROAPI, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
(
Abstract:
Honeybee colonies were evaluated for hygienic behaviour using a pin-killed brood assay.
Presence and absence of visual symptoms of brood diseases were recorded. Colonies that
removed more than 80% of dead brood after 24 hours were selected for queen and drone
production and new colonies were evaluated for hygienic behaviour. This procedure was
repeated yearly from 1992 through 1997. The degree of total hygienic behaviour
(brood removed) and partial hygienic behaviour (brood uncapped but not totally removed)
were determined. Colonies were classified as hygienic and non-hygienic and these data were
related to the incidence of brood diseases. Total hygienic behaviour increased in the
population after four years of selection on queens without mating control from 66.25% in
1992 to 84.56% in 1997. Hygienic colonies had a lower frequency of brood diseases when
compared to non-hygienic colonies. It is suggested that this trait can be used as a
selection criterion in queen breeders' apiaries.
Keywords:
hygienic behaviour / Apis mellifera / selection / brood disease / tolerance
Correspondence and reprints: M.A. Palacio
E-mail: palacio@vet.unicen.edu.ar
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