HONEY BEE & POLLINATION 
118 pages
Published: 8 May 2020
Publication Code: 20-007
Author(s): Jody Gerdts
ISBN: 978-1-76053-079-2
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Selection and Development of Australian Hygienic Honey Bee Lines,
30 September 2015 – 14 February 2019
This project investigated the relationship between honey bees and the most economically significant pathogen affecting the Australia honey bee industry, Ascosphaera apis, the fungus responsible for chalkbrood disease. Genetic variation of A. apis in Australia was described in a global context, as well as the process of selecting and breeding for hygienic behaviour, a social immune response of honey bees known to confer resistance to chalkbrood.
Deformed wing virus (DWV) can infect honey bee queens through imported drone semen, but this study found no transmission to offspring. The research supports continued...
This research examined whether imported drone semen can transmit deformed wing virus (DWV) to honey bee queens. The findings support continued virus testing and show...
Explore honey bee nutrition research that shows why artificial pollen diets cannot replace natural pollen and how to improve colony health.
Discover the Honey Bee RD&E Plan 2026–31, outlining priorities to boost bee health, productivity and resilience.
The Australian Honey Bee & Pollination RD&E Plan 2026–2031 guides research, development and extension investment to strengthen Australia’s honey bee and pollination industries.
Deformed wing virus transmission via imported honey assessed in Australia. Explore findings on bee infection risk and biosecurity measures. Read the full report.
This project assessed whether imported honey could introduce deformed wing virus (DWV) into Australia. DWV appeared in some raw honey but at low levels, while...
Pollen shortages can weaken honey bee colonies, so beekeepers feed artificial protein supplements. This project tested diets in cages and field hives, revealing amino acid...
