2021 BreedWatch
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Breeding optimization of honey bees in ecological beekeeping with the help of sensors
The aim of the project is to optimize breeding selection using sensors in honey bees to improve bee health and productivity. The Varroa mite, introduced from Asia, is currently one of the biggest problems in beekeeping. If left untreated, this parasitosis usually leads to the death of bee colonies. The fight is mainly carried out with chemical means, in organic beekeeping with little selective organic acids and essential oils, which on the one hand affects the vitality of the colonies, on the other hand also burdens the entire beekeeping industry through recurring medium and labor costs. The starting point "prevention through breeding for selection traits", such as varroa-sensitive hygiene behavior (VSH) and low varroa reproduction (SMR), has decisive economic significance here and thus a leverage effect for sustainable relief of the entire beekeeping industry. However, successful breeding work and the breeding value estimation involved in it for honey bees requires solid expertise and time-intensive commitment on the part of the breeder. Regular intensive inspections to assess the condition of the respective breeding colony by the breeder are also necessary, but detrimental to the health of the colony. The use of sensor technology to support breeding selection offers considerable potential here compared to conventional breeding management to accelerate and improve breeding progress. The aim of the project is to optimize breeding work by identifying objective indicators through AI-supported data exploration. For this purpose, breeding colonies are continuously monitored by sensors and correlated with breeding traits recorded by the breeder. In addition to general parameters such as colony strength and development, VSH, SMR, swarming tendency and winter broodiness are investigated to enable improved breeding progress.
Project management: University of Kassel Department of Agricultural Engineering
Responsible : Dr. Sascha Kirchner
Project partner : Bioland beekeeping Ivan Curic
Funding : Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE)