@article{1770,
  keywords = {Colony losses, local adaptation, Varroa destructor, Nosema spp, deformed wing virus, acute bee paralysis virus},
  author = {M Meixner and A Uzunov},
  title = {Genotype-environment-interactions and the occurrence of honey bee diseases affect the survival of honey bee colonies – summary from a pan-European experiment},
  abstract = {To explore genotype-environment-interactions in honey bees, the survival and  performance of 597 colonies, representing five subspecies and 16 different genotypes, were comparatively studied in the framework of the COLOSS project. The  study was carried out from 2009 to 2012 in 21 apiaries across Europe. The colonies  were continuously assessed for traits of apicultural interest and closely monitored  for pests and pathogens. During the experiment, chemical treatments against any  disease were not permitted. Infestation with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor was  the main reason for losses, followed by queen problems and infection with the gut  parasite Nosema spp. On average, colonies with queens from local origin survived  significantly longer compared to non-local origins (83±23 days; p lt;0.001). The occurrence  of all diseases (Varroa, Nosema, viruses) was strongly affected by environmental  factors (apiary effects). An in-depth analysis was carried out in one apiary as a case study; here, it was observed that pathogen levels were significantly lower in local colonies compared to non-local ones. Over all, the results of the experiment demonstrate strong genotype-environment-interactions and show that locally adapted populations perform better and survive longer than foreign genotypes. To preserve such populations, the support of local breeding activities needs to be prioritised in order to optimise sustainable productivity and to increase their acceptance through beekeepers, and to prevent colony losses.},
  year = {2018},
  journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift},
  volume = {131},
  month = {11/2018},
  publisher = {Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG},
  address = {Hannover},
  issn = {0005-9366},
  doi = {10.2376/0005-9366-18015},
  language = {English},
}