New breeding tools give bees a boost

Australia’s bee industry has taken a major step forward with the release of new genetic tools aimed at breeding healthier, more productive honey bees.

The tools were developed through Plan Bee - the nation’s first coordinated honey bee genetic improvement program - led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in partnership with the University of Sydney, the University of New England and AgriFutures Australia.

Technical Specialist Elizabeth Frost said the project delivered Australia’s first bee estimated breeding values (EBVs) for key traits such as colony strength, aggression and disease resistance.

“Bee breeders now have the tools to transition from traditional selection to more efficient and accurate genetic improvement,” she said.

The five-year initiative also created a national honey bee genetic database and breeding manual, supporting the future of pollination services valued at over $12 billion annually.

Ms Frost said breeding for traits like Varroa mite resistance is now more achievable.

“We are ultimately striving for healthy, happy bees that can adapt to environmental and disease challenges,” she said.

Training is available for breeders on how to use EBVs and implement modern breeding practices.