Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North AmericaEU edition | Asian edition

News in brief

New bee line could combat colony collapse

23-Oct-2008

Related topics: Business, Carbohydrates and fibers (sugar, starches), Fruit, vegetable, nut ingredients

An enhanced-line honey bee stock has been developed which shows genetic promise in aiding industry troubles, such as colony collapse disorder where bees mysteriously abandon their hives.

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.”