Results and impact of research on honeybee genetics and breeding conducted by INIFAP in Mexico

In Mexico, beekeeping is an activity of economic, social and ecological importance that faces various problems; two of the most important problems are the high defensive behavior of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) caused by the africanization and varroosis caused by the mite Varroa destructor. The high defensive behavior of the colonies has made beekeeping more complex and less profitable. Varroa destructor affects honey production and is a factor that has been associated with honeybee colony losses worldwide. To address these problems, INIFAP conducts research on honeybee genetics and breeding. The objective of this article was to make a review of the research conducted at INIFAP in honeybee genetics that has created scientific knowledge about the genetic, genomic, and epigenetic factors that regulate the expression of honeybee defensive behavior, guarding behavior, stinging behavior, grooming behavior and hygienic behavior. To review the results of research conducted by INIFAP in honeybee breeding to reduce the defensive behavior of honeybee colonies, this research has created methods to evaluate and to select this trait, and has generated honeybee lines with low defensive behavior, from which queens has been transferred to beekeepers. As well as to review the work conducted by INIFAP to preserve genetic material of European origins that has led to the establishment of a honeybee germplasm bank.