Genetic Parameters of Honey Bee Colonies Traits in a Canadian Selection Program

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Genetic selection is still little applied to honey bees (Apis mellifera), whose complex genetic and reproductive characteristics are a challenge to model statistically. The aim of this project was to determine the genetic parameters of several traits important for Canadian beekeepers with a view to establishing a breeding program in a northern context. Our results show that the five traits studied (i.e., honey production, spring development, winter consumption, hygienic behavior and Varroa destructor infestation) are all heritable. Furthermore, the genetic correlations between these traits are all positive or null, which means that these traits can be selected simultaneously in a honey bees genetic selection program. Our results are instrumental to the development of a selection index that can be used to improve the capacity of honey bees to thrive in northern conditions. ABSTRACT: Genetic selection has led to spectacular advances in animal production in many domestic species. However, it is still little applied to honey bees (Apis mellifera), whose complex genetic and reproductive characteristics are a challenge to model statistically. Advances in informatics now enable creation of a statistical model consistent with honey bee genetics, and, consequently, genetic selection for this species. The aim of this project was to determine the genetic parameters of several traits important for Canadian beekeepers with a view to establishing a breeding program in a northern context. Our results show that the five traits measured (Varroa destructor infestation, spring development, honey production, winter consumption, and hygienic behavior) are heritable. Thus, the rate of V. destructor infestation has a high heritability (h(2) = 0.44 ± 0.56), spring development and honey production have a medium heritability (respectively, h(2) = 0.30 ± 0.14 and h(2) = 0.20 ± 0.13), and winter consumption and hygienic behavior have a low heritability (respectively, h(2) = 0.11 ± 0.09 and h(2) = 0.18 ± 0.13). Furthermore, the genetic correlations between these traits are all positive or null, except between hygienic behavior and V. destructor infestation level. These genetic parameters will be instrumental to the development of a selection index that will be used to improve the capacity of honey bees to thrive in northern conditions.