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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Baton Rouge, Louisiana » Honey Bee Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #299032
Title: Molecular genetic analysis of Varroa destructor mites in brood, fallen injured mites and worker bee longevity in honey bees

Author
item Bilodeau, Lanie
item Rinderer, Thomas
item De Guzman, Lilia
item Holloway, Beth

Submitted to: Journal of Apicultural Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/13/2015
Publication Date: 5/11/2016
Citation: Bourgeois, A.L., Rinderer, T.E., De Guzman, L.I., Holloway, B.A. 2016. Molecular genetic analysis of Varroa destructor mites in brood, fallen injured mites and worker bee longevity in honey bees. Journal of Apicultural Research. 54(4):328-334.

Interpretive Summary: Two important traits that contribute to honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony survival are resistance to Varroa destructor and longevity of worker bees. We investigated the relationship between a panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and three phenotypic measurements of colonies: a) percentage of mites in brood (MIB), b) proportion of fallen injured mites (FIM), and c) longevity of workers. Within the genomic region that corresponded to reduced varroa mites within the brood were three genes of interest that relate to memory and learning and olfactory perception. The genes identified in the region related to mite injury were related to sensory and motor function. The most promising gene in the region associated with longevity is directly related to adult lifespan determination in Drosophila. Together, these genes provide possible avenues to be pursued for further development for eventual marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Technical Abstract: Two important traits that contribute to honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony survival are resistance to Varroa destructor and longevity of worker bees. We investigated the relationship between a panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and three phenotypic measurements of colonies: a) percentage of mites in brood (MIB), b) proportion of fallen injured mites (FIM), and c) longevity of workers. We used single marker analysis (SMA) to identify genetic intervals that may confer resistance and increased lifespan. One gene related to memory and learning, dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) was identified for MIB, as was acj6, which functions for olfactory perception. These genes may contribute to elevated levels of mite detection and removal. Three genes were identified with high relevance for mite injury. CYP315A1 and Ptp69D function in motor neuron axon guidance in response to chemical stimuli. RabGAP11 is also involved in sensory function, specifically sensory organ development. Evidence for the longevity quantitative trait locus (QTL) was weak, however one gene contained within the putative interval (Eaat-4) is directly related to adult lifespan determination in Drosophila. Together, these genes provide possible avenues to be pursued for further development for eventual marker-assisted selection (MAS).