USDA AFRI Pollinator Health Grant

Genetics and Breeding of Mite Biting Bees for Resilience to Varroa Mites

A CSU Project

Honeybees are the primary source of pollination service to produce fruits, vegetables, and crops in the U.S. However, they face severe colony losses since 2007. Improving honey bee resistance to Varroa mites is critical to maintaining sustainable apiculture. However, there are few research efforts to investigate the resilience of behavior against Varroa mites. Our preliminary research has shown that the mite biting behavior in Ohio feral bees and Purdue University breeding stocks are higher than in commercial stocks.  This study will improve the resilience trait of European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) against Varroa mites in Ohio.  This project will enhance CSU's research capacity in pollinator health and sustainable apiculture, and also train minority students in agriculture.     

Project personnel

Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay (PI at Central State University)

Dr. Deng Cao (Co-PI at Central State University)

Other personnel

Postdoctoral Researcher - Catherine Farrell, 2021-present

Undergraduate researcher - Xaryn Cleare, 2020-2021 

Undergraduate researcher - Lee Burrows, 2021 Spring

Undergraduate researcher - Francis Gibson, 2021 Summer

Field/Admin Support

 Field Technician - Ashley Cordle

Project news

May 2021, Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mary Catherine Farrell joined our project!

April 2021, student Xaryne Cleare presented his research talk at the CSU Research and Scholarly Day and won the student research AWARD! 

May 2020 -- Award letter received!

Project photos

2020

2021