Bee breeder-geneticist Susan Cobey, of University of California, Davis, said the new line crosses ‘New World Carnolians’, which she also developed, with ‘Old World’ Carnolians from Germany.
Cobey, project leader of a honey bee stock improvement grant, which is funded by the California State Beekeepers’ Association and the California Almond Board, said: “The bees are very gentle, very hygienic and very productive, and hopefully will confer increased resistance to pests and disease.
“Honey bees pollinate about one-third of the food we eat. Without bees, we wouldn’t have the fruits, vegetables and nuts we enjoy. Bees are critical to our food supply.”
