Beekeeping And Biodiversity In Europe
Informations
- Funding country
Europe- Acronym
- BABE
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 1/1/2001
- End date
- 9/30/2004
- Budget
- 983,070 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP5 - Fifth Framework Programme | Grant | 1/1/2001 | 9/30/2004 | 983,070 EUR |
Abstract
Because honeybees mate in mid air, gene flow occurs between wild and man - kept bees. The propagation of non-native races of bees thus affects the genetics of native bee populations. The cultural differences in beekeeping practice among European countries allow studying how beekeeping affects the diversity of native honeybee populations. Breeding strategies range from replacement of native subspecies with aliens to an absence of breeding and little import of non-native bees. Molecular techniques using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers will quantify the impact of beekeeping on the genetic diversity of native honeybee populations in western Europe. A sustainable breeding concept will be developed that both conserves native biodiversity and permits selection for improved honeybee colony performance (including disease resistance, docile behaviour, and productivity)