Free Access
| Issue |
Apidologie
Volume 31, Number 4, July-August 2000
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 525 - 530 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2000143 | |
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2000143
Apidologie 31 (2000) 525-530
A new, simple method for rearing diploid drones in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)
Benedikt Polaczeka - Peter Neumannb,c - Burkhard Schrickera - Robin F.A. Moritzc
aFreie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie/Zoologie, Königin-Luise Strabe 1-3,
14195 Berlin, Germany
bRhodes University, Department of Zoology and Entomology, 6140 Grahamstown, South Africa
cMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Fachgebiet Molekulare Ökologie,
Institut für Zoologie, Kröllwitzerstr. 44, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany
(
Abstract:
Seven Apis mellifera carnica queens were instrumentally inseminated with the semen of their
own sons. Diploid drone offspring of these queens were raised using two established
techniques including elaborate laboratory manipulations, and a new approach. The new
approach, based on routine beekeeping, uses small mating nuclei, which rear diploid drones
to the adult stage late in the season. No labour and cost intensive feeding, nor grafting
and incubation steps are needed. The ploidy level of the drone offspring was evaluated using
seven DNA microsatellites. All drones reared by the elaborate techniques and more than 90%
of the drones reared in a small mating nucleus were definitely diploid. This technique
allows for easy and simple diploid drone rearing even in research groups with no
sophisticated equipment.
Keywords:
Apis mellifera / honeybee / DNA microsatellite / diploid drone / instrumental insemination
Correspondence and reprints: Benedikt Polaczek
E-mail: agbienen@zedat.fu-berlin.de
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