Evaluation of the defensive behavior in two honeybee races Iranian honeybee (Apis mellifera meda) and Carniolan honeybee (Apis mellifera carnica) and grooming behavior of different bee races in controlling Varroa destructor mite in honey bee colonies in Iran

Abstract

Two honeybee races Apis mellifera meda (Indigenous) and Apis mellifera carnica (hybrid) were used to study and compare the evaluation of the defensive behavior and the grooming behavior of the two honeybee races was evaluated against Varroa destructor mite in honey bee colonies in Iran in 2015-2016. Results also indicated that the hygienic and grooming behavior of imported bee (Apis mellifera carnica) was more efficient as compared indigenous bee (Apis mellifera meda). The findings of the research revealed that the Carniolan honeybee hybrid colonies showed more effective defensive behavior against Varroa destructor (38.50%) as compared to indigenous (41.20%) honeybee colonies. The study also indicated that the number of covered combs with bees was lower in Iranian race (Non-aggressive and Aggressiveness), whereas the highest value was recorded with the aggressive Carniolan bees. Different forms of damage to the Varroa destructor mites may be due to the genetic origin of the bee race.