Normalized Relative Quantification (NRQ) for 9 genes in Apis mellifera resistant and control stock

Abstract

This study characterizes several hygiene traits in a natural Varroa destructor surviving Apis mellifera stock by analyzing their seasonal variation and contribution to the survival phenotype. We assessed the hygienic behavior (HYG), Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) and recapping behavior (REC) in the surviving stock (S) and a commercial regularly treated stock (C). We evaluated V. destructor infestation in adult bees and brood cells and explored the expression profiles of nine candidate genes linked to these behaviors.