Sorry for the lack of articles recently, but I have been busy raising queens.
There are several ways to reduce varroa mites in your hives:
-Drone
brood removal
-Interruption
of the brood cycle
-Screened
bottom boards
-Miticide
treatments
-Bee
behavior changes through genetics
So far none of these methods by itself has been the silver
bullet for controlling mites.
Several groups have developed “improved” bees via genetic
selection. Minnesota Hygenic, Varroa
Sensitive Hybrids (VSH), Russian and now Purdue Ankle Biters. Basically all of these “improved” bees are
designed to amplify natural grooming behaviors.
For example the VSH bees detect and remove pupae that are infected with
varroa. The Purdue Ankle Biter (AB)bee
strain is a relatively new development and the bees actually bite off the varroa
mite’s legs which results in the mite dying.
Through years of selection the biologists at Purdue University have
intensified this trait so that the hive mite levels are significantly reduced.
Don’t expect the AB bee to be the silver bullet for varroa mite
control. Good mite monitoring and
control are still recommended. However,
due to the lower mite counts in AB hives it is reported in initial field trials
the AB hives have a higher winter survival.
The lower mite counts also result in a generally healthier hive and a
bigger honey surplus.
So if you are contemplating re-queening your hive why not
use a queen with superior genetics?
Additional information on the AB strain of bee can be found
on the internet by doing a search for “Purdue Ankle Biters” or in the following
publications.
Bee Culture Magazine-Page 10 of the June 2016 issue and Page
41 of the April 2016 issue
American Bee Journal-Page 376 of the April 2016 issue
Beekeeper Fred purchased a Purdue Ankle Biter breeder queen
this spring with the agreement that he must raise and get into the field 50
queens. He has teamed with another queen
raiser (beekeeper Jon) to ensure that this goal is met. The idea is that these genetics will be
spread throughout the Midwest and hopefully improve hive survival. Open mated Ankle Biter queens should be
available beginning about July 20th.
Beekeeper Fred will offer mated ankle biter queens to ECWBA club members
for $25 each until he has recouped his investment to purchase the breeder
queen. After that the price will be $30
each. Quantities are limited. Beekeeper Fred and Jon are trying to raise
about 20 queens per week. Contact beekeeper Fred at 920-229-2204 or fredransome@aol.com or contact beekeeper Jon at 920-229-3046 or queenbreeder@gmail.com
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