ARS | Publication request: Genetic toolkits for bee health

Submitted to: American Bee Journal
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2011
Publication Date: May 1, 2011
Citation: Evans, J.D. 2011. Genetic toolkits for bee health. American Bee Journal. 151:351-353.

Technical Abstract: Beekeepers, inspectors, and researchers have a shared interest in checking bees and hives for clues related to bee health and disease. These checks take many forms, from lifting fall supers prior to feeding decisions to carrying out sticky board or jar tests for estimating varroa populations. Most decisions for managing beehives are, appropriately, made in the field using these and other traits presented by the bees themselves. Nevertheless, some tests are best carried out on hive samples that have been gathered and brought to a home or laboratory where different tools can be used. In the laboratory, genetic tools are becoming the norm for everything from disease diagnosis and research into bee behavior and nutrition to validation of promising bee stock.