The launch of Australia’s first comprehensive honey bee genetic improvement program, known as Plan Bee, has introduced essential genetic tools designed to bolster the future of beekeeping in the country. This initiative is particularly significant given that pollination supports over $12 billion in agricultural production annually, making it vital for crops such as almonds, canola, and zucchini.
Funded by the Federal Government’s Rural R&D for Profit Program, Plan Bee aims to strengthen the honey bee and pollination industry, which is classified as one of AgriFutures Australia’s levied industries. The program is a collaborative effort led by researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the University of Sydney, and the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), with input from industry stakeholders.
Enhancing Genetic Tools for Beekeepers
The Plan Bee initiative has equipped Australia’s bee industry with the tools necessary to breed bees that can withstand emerging challenges, including environmental threats like drought and bushfires, as well as diseases such as the varroa mite. According to Elizabeth Frost, a lead researcher from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the program draws inspiration from genetic selection techniques used in larger livestock sectors.
“Estimated breeding values are commonly used in livestock production to identify important traits, which can be selected for in breeding programs,” Frost explained. “In a similar manner, bee breeders are looking to produce stronger, healthier, and more productive queens.”
Over the course of the five-year project, Plan Bee established a national reference population consisting of 50 breeder queens and 200 production colonies, linked to commercial queen breeders across six states. This foundation allowed for the development and validation of genetic testing methods to create a robust genetic evaluation system.
Addressing Industry Needs Through Genetic Selection
Surveys conducted among queen bee breeders and honey producers have revealed that essential traits they seek to enhance include honey production, temperament, colony strength, pollination capabilities, and disease resistance. By quantifying the genetic merit of queens based on these criteria, researchers aim to identify superior hives and queens that can increase desirable production traits in future generations.
AGBU analyzed genotypes from bee DNA and hive trait assessment records, which are maintained in a national database encompassing approximately 5,500 colonies. This database allocates scores for estimated breeding values (EBVs) related to traits such as colony strength, aggression, and disease resistance.
Unlike traditional livestock reproduction, where breeding processes are straightforward, bee reproduction is more complex. Queen bees mate with multiple drones, selectively fertilizing their eggs to produce either female worker bees or male drones. Historically, Australian bee breeding relied on mass selection; however, the tools developed through Plan Bee enable breeders to adopt more sophisticated methods for selecting queens who can pass on preferred characteristics.
“Bee breeders now have the tools to transition from classic mass selection to more controlled mating techniques, allowing for more efficient and accurate genetic improvement,” Frost noted. This advancement is expected to benefit the entire beekeeping industry by producing more viable and resilient colonies.
As honey producers enjoy increased hive productivity, farmers who depend on these hives for pollination can also secure reliable services. Although Plan Bee commenced in 2020, prior to the discovery of the varroa mite in Australia, the research has offered critical insights for breeding bees that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Ultimately, the goal of Plan Bee is to foster “healthy, happy bees,” as Frost articulated. The project underscores the importance of selective breeding for pest and disease traits, complemented by unique hive and queen identifiers and standardised record-keeping practices.
With a diverse starting population, Australian bee breeders are now better positioned to select for traits that will enhance the resilience of bees against challenges, including the varroa mite. For those interested in further details, additional information is available at Agrifutures Australia’s website.
