UPDATE: Australia has just launched its first comprehensive honey bee genetic program, known as Plan Bee, aimed at securing the future of beekeepers nationwide. The initiative is crucial as pollination supports over $12 billion in agricultural production in Australia each year.
Just announced by the Federal Government, Plan Bee delivers vital genetic tools to enhance the resilience of honey bee populations across the country. This program is set to benefit more than 60 Australian crops that rely on bee pollination, including almonds, canola, and zucchini.
Led by researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the University of Sydney, and the University of New England, Plan Bee has established a national reference population of 50 breeder queens and 200 production colonies linked to commercial queen breeders in six states. These advancements allow breeders to adapt bee genetics to combat emerging challenges such as environmental threats and diseases like the varroa mite.
“This program provides the tools necessary to breed stronger and healthier queens,” said Elizabeth Frost, a lead researcher from NSW DPIRD. The initiative employs techniques similar to those used in livestock breeding, where estimated breeding values (EBVs) are utilized to select traits that improve productivity and resilience.
During the five-year project, researchers identified key traits desired by the industry, including honey production, colony strength, and disease resistance. By quantifying genetic merit based on these criteria, breeders can enhance future generations of bees, ensuring economic stability for honey producers and farmers reliant on pollination.
Plan Bee’s launch is timely, particularly as the varroa mite threat looms over Australian bee populations. The program began in 2020, prior to the discovery of varroa mites in Australia, and has since provided critical insights into breeding practices that foster pest and disease resistance.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure healthy, thriving bee populations,” Frost emphasized. “This project underscores the significance of selective breeding combined with standardized record-keeping to enhance our bee genetics.”
With approximately 5,500 colonies registered in a national database, the program’s impact is poised to resonate throughout Australia’s agricultural landscape. By transitioning from traditional mass selection to more precise breeding techniques, Plan Bee empowers breeders to produce thousands of genetically improved queen bees, offering a competitive edge to the entire beekeeping industry.
As the nation faces challenges in bee health and productivity, Plan Bee stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Australian agriculture. Stakeholders from the honey, horticulture, and broadacre cropping industries can expect significant benefits in the coming years, with improved hive viability and productivity.
For more information on Plan Bee and its initiatives, visit agrifutures.com.au/plan-bee.
Stay tuned for further updates as this important program develops—it’s a sweet victory for Australia’s agricultural future!
