Bee Genetics and Breeding

Book excerpt: Bee Genetics and Breeding provides an overview of the state of knowledge in bee genetics and breeding. The book is organized into two parts. Part I deals with the scholarly issues of bee genetics. It is intended as a reference source for students of both bees and genetics. It could also serve as a text for university courses in bee genetics. Topics discussed include the evolution of eusocial insects; geographical variability and classification of honey bees; and behavioral and biochemical genetics of honey bees. Part II deals more specifically with the practical issues of bee breeding. The discussions include the quantitative genetics of honey bees; ways to define and measure honey-bee characteristics so that the "best" parents for honey-bee stock improvement programs can be selected; and mating designs. This section contains sufficient guidance for bee breeders to initiate or improve breeding programs. Apiculturalists generally will find this part especially interesting since the quality of their own bee stock depends on the skills and knowledge of the breeders who produce their queens.