Thoughtful article by John Whittaker in latest BBKA News discussing the potential lack of drones in managed colonies with fewer feral colonies, leading to possible queen mating issues.
Firstly is there any hard evidence regarding queens being inadequately mated? I always dismissed the idea on the grounds nature often way overproduces male genetics as a relatively low investment to spread genetics widely. But that presumably is only true up to a point.
If the answer is yes and we decide to increase the numbers of flying drones by say using drone foundation in the brood chamber or letting them draw it below super frames, do we actually risk the varroa mite bombs we are warned about?
I understand the science regarding mites preferentially targeting drone larvae and multiplying more effectively in them, but whenever I have uncapped drone brood I cannot honestly say I have seen much evidence of increased varroa. Is the frequent advice to replace combs squeezing out the drone cells?
I know queen breeders have dedicated drone producing colonies, but that is presumably to reduce the “wildcard” element of polyandry rather than make up for a perceived deficit in drones. Is that an option at the hobby scale – it might actually simplify the varroa management issue bearing in mind it is the same period most of us are also bringing in nectar in other colonies? But you also want your drones being raised by your better queens.
If we accept most beekeepers keep their bees in a single location and bees mating strategy tries to avoid inbreeding, would unilateral drone rearing benefit you or only your neighbours?
Questions, questions..
Firstly is there any hard evidence regarding queens being inadequately mated? I always dismissed the idea on the grounds nature often way overproduces male genetics as a relatively low investment to spread genetics widely. But that presumably is only true up to a point.
If the answer is yes and we decide to increase the numbers of flying drones by say using drone foundation in the brood chamber or letting them draw it below super frames, do we actually risk the varroa mite bombs we are warned about?
I understand the science regarding mites preferentially targeting drone larvae and multiplying more effectively in them, but whenever I have uncapped drone brood I cannot honestly say I have seen much evidence of increased varroa. Is the frequent advice to replace combs squeezing out the drone cells?
I know queen breeders have dedicated drone producing colonies, but that is presumably to reduce the “wildcard” element of polyandry rather than make up for a perceived deficit in drones. Is that an option at the hobby scale – it might actually simplify the varroa management issue bearing in mind it is the same period most of us are also bringing in nectar in other colonies? But you also want your drones being raised by your better queens.
If we accept most beekeepers keep their bees in a single location and bees mating strategy tries to avoid inbreeding, would unilateral drone rearing benefit you or only your neighbours?
Questions, questions..