A derived honey bee stock confers resistance to Varroa destructor and associated viral transmission

• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08643-w
• Publication Date: 2022-04-07T10:20:54Z
• Authors: Thomas A. O’Shea-...; Frank D. Rinkevich; Robert G. Danka; Michael Simone-Fi...; Philip G. Tokarz; Kristen B. Healy
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 570; Science; Varroidae; Q; R; 600; Bees; 01 natural sciences; Article; Medicine; Animals; Longitudinal Studies; Prospective Studies

Abstract The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the greatest threat to managed honey bee ( Apis mellifera ) colonies globally. Despite significant efforts, novel treatments control mite and its vectored pathogens have shown limited efficacy, as host remains naïve. A prospective solution lies in development of -resistant stocks, but a paucity rigorous selection data restricts widespread adoption. Here, we characterise parasite viral dynamics stock, designated ‘Pol-line’, using large-scale longitudinal study. Results demonstrate markedly reduced levels this diminished titres three major viruses (DWV-A, DWV-B, CBPV), two-fold increase survival. Levels fourth virus that not associated with —BQCV—do differ between supporting disruption transmission pathway. Further, show when decoupled from influence levels, do constitute strong independent predictors colony mortality risk. These findings highlight need for reassessment etiology, suggest derived stocks represent tractable pandemic.