A new, simple method for rearing diploid drones in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Benedikt Polaczek; Peter Neumann; Burkhard Schricker; Robin F.A. Moritz

doi:doi:10.1051/apido:2000143

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Volume 31 / No 4 (July-August 2000)

Apidologie, 31 4 (2000) 525-530

Abstract

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Issue		Apidologie Volume 31, Number 4, July-August 2000


Page(s)		525 - 530
DOI		https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2000143

\n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), CBLU, University of Leeds * revised and updated by: Marcus Hennecke, Ross Moore, Herb Swan * with significant contributions from: Jens Lippmann, Marek Rouchal, Martin Wilck and others --> 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 Polaczek^a - Peter Neumann^b,c - Burkhard Schricker^a - Robin F.A. Moritz^c

^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

(Received 7 September 1999; revised 15 February 2000; accepted 7 March 2000)

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
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