FAQ’s

a) Over any work that has already been done in New Zealand?

b) Over any work or protocols available from overseas that NZ could use?

c) Over past experiences of poor uptake in NZ, that is, how will the protocol achieve uptake by the beekeepers and industry?

To our knowledge, there is currently no published VSH protocol in New Zealand or overseas that fully addresses the needs that our proposed protocol aims to fulfil. Our protocol will serve as a comprehensive code of practice, drawing upon Rae's extensive hands-on experience and an in-depth literature search on breeding for Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH). It will continuously evolve as research and practice progresses, simplifying methods and enhancing predictability in breeding program results.

We understand that past experiences have shown poor uptake in New Zealand. However, the landscape is changing, and beekeepers are now more open to finding new solutions for the Varroa problem. By bridging the gap between science and beekeepers, our protocol aims to achieve greater uptake and industry engagement. In Canterbury, we have demonstrated with commercial beekeepers the benefits of discovering and selecting for the VSH trait. For example, these beekeepers have extended Varroa treatment time frames, reduced reliance on alternative treatments, and increased breathing space for honey production. Our protocol will guide beekeepers on selecting within their own breeder colonies, conducting VSH bioassays, engaging with queen breeders and learning how to make observations in their own operations that will promote genetic gains for Varroa resistance over time.

To ensure successful breeding for Varroa resistance in New Zealand, industry collaboration and cooperation are essential while maintaining commercial sensitivity. We aim to provide educational resources for beekeepers and all industry participants on what to expect from VSH breeding programs and how to use accepted testing methods for the VSH trait. The New Zealand Bee Breeding Association (NZBBA) will serve as a conduit for promoting the adoption of VSH breeding information among beekeepers and all industry participants.

Accurate VSH phenotypic data forms the foundation of breeding for Varroa resistance. We have been approached by several genomic researchers who seek VSH tested bee samples to support their research. We have submitted samples of VSH drones for use in various genomic studies. These studies have the potential to explore new tools, including genomic selection techniques, which can further enhance VSH breeding programs.

We plan to be able to use genomic selection technology to make genetic gains in VSH breeding programs as this research develops further. The genomic selection approach requires phenotypic data for the reference dataset, which we have started to make available. The integration of genomic tools can assist in selecting candidates for breeding crosses, and this work can be organized at different levels within New Zealand's queen breeding infrastructure.

For further information on the potential role of genomic research in the future of VSH breeding, we recommend referring to the references listed in our Science Page.