Fighting Varroa Destructor Through Science-Based Breeding

The Varroa Resistance Breeding & Selection Program (VRBSP) is Arista Bee Research’s flagship initiative to combat Varroa destructor mites—the leading cause of global honey bee colony losses. Based in the Netherlands and Belgium, our program combines advanced breeding, genetic research, and international collaboration to develop Varroa-resistant honey bee lines that support sustainable beekeeping across Europe, North America, and worldwide.

The Kernel Project: Breeding, Selection & Distribution (BrSD)

Focus

Select and propagate Carnica and Buckfast lines expressing Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH).

Why VSH

Bees with VSH detect and remove mite-infested brood, reducing Varroa reproduction.

Evidence

USDA and other programs have shown VSH can be selected and maintained in managed populations.

Support

The kernel project also supports complementary resistance initiatives (e.g., grooming, recapping).

Outcome

Wider access to tested Varroa-resistant stock and practical selection tools for beekeepers.

Artificial Insemination (Ireen Roskam)

01. Varroa Infestation Measuring Methods (VIMM)

Goal: Standardize and improve Varroa mite monitoring in colonies and brood.
Methods: Sugar roll, alcohol wash, brood uncapping, sticky boards, and digital counting.
Benefit: Reliable, comparable data to make accurate selection and treatment decisions.

02. Genetic Markers for Varroa Resistance (GVar)

Goal: Develop and validate genetic marker tests for resistance traits such as VSH.
Benefit: Faster, more reliable selection and breeding at scale.

03. Varroa Resistant Traits (VaRT)

Focus: Study additional traits (e.g., grooming, suppressed mite reproduction, recapping).
Support: Fund targeted research and students within relevant university groups.
Benefit: A broader trait toolkit increases resilience and reduces reliance on a single mechanism.

04. Bee Management & Integrated Treatment (BMaT)

Goal: Integrate management practices with resistant stock to reduce treatments and winter losses.
Topics: Optimized IPM strategies, smaller cell studies (self-built comb or small-cell foundation), brood break strategies, and colony health metrics.
Benefit: Practical methods that complement genetics and work in real-world apiaries.

05. Sperm and Egg Preservation (SpEP)

Focus: Preserve drone semen and queen eggs for later use (e.g., liquid nitrogen).
Partners: Collaborate with institutes experienced in gamete storage for bees and other species (e.g., pig, chicken).
Benefit: Safeguards valuable genetics, enables timing flexibility, and supports international collaboration.

Governance, Quality, and Oversight

Scientific Committee: Reviews projects, sets priorities, and ensures scientific rigor.
International Cooperation: Partnerships with institutes in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the USA to accelerate progress.
Ongoing Review: Projects are reviewed and updated to reflect latest evidence and field results.