Abstract
The honeybee Apis mellifera is one of the most valuable species for humanity due to the crucial importance of plant pollination for agriculture and biodiversity. It has however recently experienced alarming colony losses and faces serious threats including pathogens, biological invasions and climate change. Here we propose a multidisciplinary approach, combining genome sequencing and transgenic assays, to identify and characterise genetic variants that are important for dealing with these threats. We first plan to identify mutations that are important for adaptation to climate by comparing whole genome sequences of honeybees that have recently adapted to different environments. We next aim to identify mutations that are important for resistance to the Varroa mite, the most important pathogen of honeybees, by analysing genome sequences from colonies that exhibit resistance. Finally, we will functionally characterise the mutations we identify by harnessing the power of Drosophila as a model system, beginning by analysing genetic variants in immune genes identified in our previous studies. Knowledge of genetic adaptations to climate and pathogens will enable us to predict the response of honeybees to future environmental change and lead to better disease treatment and management strategies. The results of this project will also be of direct use for producing stocks of bees that are adapted to the local environment and resilient to the many threats they face.
Sweden