Multiple benefits of breeding honey bees for hygienic behavior

Mite non-reproduction, recapping behavior, and hygienic behavior (freeze-kill method) linked to Varroa destructor infestation levels in selected Apis mellifera colonies

“…64 However, colonies with hygienic behavior levels measured by the PKB assay had significantly lower mite infestation levels than nonhygienic colonies, 18,62 and had lower load or prevalence of viruses. 18 Approximately 2 decades ago, colonies capable of a form of hygienic behavior that is specific to V. destructor, referred to as varroa-sensitive hygiene behavior (VSH), were identified. 23,28,29 VSH has thus become an important focus of studies on varroa resistance.…”

“…41,45,47,68 Furthermore, measuring hygienic behavior with the FKB assay has shown that it is a poor predictor of colony varroa infestation level, 31 and selection of this trait alone has not conferred resistance to the parasite. 64 However, colonies with hygienic behavior levels measured by the PKB assay had significantly lower mite infestation levels than nonhygienic colonies, 18,62 and had lower load or prevalence of viruses. 18 Approximately 2 decades ago, colonies capable of a form of hygienic behavior that is specific to V. destructor, referred to as varroa-sensitive hygiene behavior (VSH), were identified.…”

“…64 However, colonies with hygienic behavior levels measured by the PKB assay had significantly lower mite infestation levels than non-hygienic colonies, 18,62 and had lower load or prevalence of viruses. 18…”