To celebrate the importance of bees, we thought we would share some good news on World Bee Day, May 20.
Honeybee losses remain a major concern for beekeepers, especially on small farms. Bees face many risks, including extreme weather and changing environments. Among these, Varroa mites are the most harmful. These tiny parasites feed on bees and spread diseases, weakening colonies, and shortening their lifespan.
To support beekeepers, the University of Guelph developed a practical solution. At the Honeybee Research Centre, a team led by Dr. Ernesto Guzman introduced the Low Varroa Growth breeding system. This system helps identify and breed bees that can naturally resist mites.
“Breeding honeybees for resistance to mites will, over time, translate to lower colony losses, less reliance on chemical mite controls and lower labor costs for beekeepers,” said Paul Kelly, research and apiary manager at HBRC.
Bees are very important for food production. They pollinate a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Without bees, many crops cannot grow properly, which affects food supply.
The breeding system is now being used by beekeepers across Canada. It is part of the Ontario Resistant Honeybee Selection Program and is also spreading to other regions, including British Columbia.
Researchers are working directly with farmers and beekeeping groups to expand the use of this method. They also share knowledge of training programs and industry events. Early results are encouraging. Colony loss rates have improved significantly, with recent estimates showing much lower losses compared to earlier years.