2013 Short Course in Honey Bee Breeding

Program Description

Interest in queen rearing and selection has increased in the past few years. Many beekeepers want to propagate colonies that continue to survive well year after year in a particular area to avoid purchasing queens that may or may not be well suited to their area of the country. Many beekeepers also want to propagate colonies that do not require any treatment (or minimal treatment) for Varroa mites and diseases. While there is ample desire and hardwork to raise queens, having a detailed knowledge and understanding about how to accomplish these goals is the only means by which such selection programs can succeed.

The goal of this two-day, intensive short course and clinic is to understand the general concepts about how to improve queen rearing and implement selection of genetic stock. The main focus will be on general biological principles of genetics, selection, and breeding, rather than on basic details of how to raise queens. Beekeepers who are not already proficient at raising queens should first become familiar in the basics of queen rearing before taking this course on bee breeding (for an online course on queen rearing, see the mini-course available on the BEES network); this course is designed for those who are already raising queens and wish to take their skills to the ultimate level of breeding for specific traits.

Queen Selection

Program Outline (subject to change)

Friday July 26th, 2013: Starting 1:00PM EDT

History of commercial queen production
An introduction to basic honey bee genetics
Advanced quantitative genetics and selection theory
Modern molecular markers and genetic tools

Saturday July 27th, 2013: Starting 9:00AM EDT

Controlled mating designs
Demonstration of instumental insemination
Stocks and stock selection
Sampling and record keepeeing
Rearing, production, and care of queens
How to quantify queen quality
Discussion and Q&A

How to enroll

Donation fee: $150 per person (including multiple viewers)
Conducted live through the Collaborate webinar format and the Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES). Because instruction is provided in real time, questions and discussion among course participants is possible and strongly encouraged. Breaks will be incorporated into the course timing as convenient and appropriate.
Encourage purchasing Laidlaw & Page (1997) Queen Rearing and Bee Breeding, Wicwas Press. Not required, but many of the topics covered will be complemented by the text. Textbook not included in donation fee.
For questions or additional information, stay posted to this website or email Dr. David R. Tarpy.