Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research
Project Number: 6050-21000-016-036-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2028
Objective:
The primary objective of this agreement is to establish a mechanism to fund specialized technical help and provide resources in support of developing integrated pest management workshops targeting Varroa destructor infestation of honey bee colonies. The Cooperator has a strong graduate education program in Entomology and familiarity in Agricultural outreach, but lacks expertise in honey bee pest management practices, the necessary connections to stakeholders, and familiarity with honey bee genetics. We will provide these resources, while partnering with the Cooperator to recruit strong technical help that will assist in establishing in (1) establishing best practices guidelines, (2) incorporate targeted phenotyping and breeding of honey bee colonies for resistance to Varroa destructor infestations, (3) work to disseminate information to stakeholders.
Approach:
The SY PIs will work closely with the Cooperator to recruit and train technical help and develop workshop materials. Technical help will work with SY PIs and Cooperator to organize workshops, collate training material, and assist with genetic research. The SY PI will provide expertise in honey bee biology, as well as access to the genetic stock, beekeeping equipment and research facilities maintained at the Research Unit. The SY PIs will work with Technical help to leverage Cooperator resources to establish workshop structure and schedule and complete research goals integrating genetic information in the breeding against Varroa destructor and towards ultimately enhancing honey bee health.
