Citation: Spivak, M., and Downey, D. (1998). Field assays for hygienic behavior in honey bees (Apidae: Hymenoptera). Journal of Economic Entomology 91(1): 64-70.

Web Link:University of Minnesota Bee Lab Publications

Brief Description:
Honey bees bred for hygienic behavior exhibit disease and Varroa infestation resistance. Field tests, or assays, are used to screen colonies for hygienic behavior. Colonies with the best hygienic behavior, along with other desirable traits, can then be selected for breeding. Another use of hygienic screening would be to ensure hygienic behavior is being passed down from previously selected breeder queens.

Among other items, this study compared two methods of hygienic screening. The freeze-killed brood method was compared with the pin-killed brood method. In the freeze-killed method, sections of capped brood (5 X 6 cm) were cut out and frozen at -20 degrees C for 24hrs. They were then replaced and the number of pupae removed from cells was counted. In the pin-killed brood method, 49 cells in the same colonies where pierced with a pin through the cap. The number of pupae removed from cells was counted. When using the pin-killed test, more of the colonies were determined to be hygienic then the freeze-killed method.

Implications:
It was determined that the freeze-killed brood method was a more sensitive test for hygienic behavior. With the pin-killed brood method, colonies should be inspected within 24 hrs since the bees remove pupae faster then the freeze-killed method. Thirty percent of all pin pierced pupae survived which diminished the accuracy of the test. This study shows that the freeze-killed method is the most conservative and reliable screening test for hygienic behavior.

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