Genetic Analysis of the Irish Honey Bee
Apis mellifera mellifera (Amm), the native Irish honey bee has survived on the island of Ireland
for 1000’s of years. A period of near extinction due to the ‘isle–of-white-disease’ (Acarine
mites) led to the importation of non-native strains of honey bees (HB) into Ireland over the
last 100 years resulting in some hybridisation between native and non native strains and
subspecies. Importation has also led to the introduction of new parasites and diseases, most
famously the Varroa destructor mite and associated viruses in 1998. Currently, the proportion
of Ireland’s HB population that are native Amm strains is unknown as is their distribution.
Previous studies by leading Bee-Breeding-Groups such as Galtee bee breeding group (GBBG)
indicated that there is a significant native population of Amm in Ireland. These studies focused
primarily on the use of morphometric methods of analysis to establish the purity of their Amm
stocks. This project proposes to utilize molecular marker techniques to address questions of
population structuring, hybridization and degree of introgression and will focus on two major
objectives:
1. Establish the proportion of native Amm stocks that are present within Ireland, and
determine the extent introgression from other strains and subspecies
2. Identification of potential areas of conservation for the protection of Amm stocks.
The first objective will be met by assessing genetic diversity and phylodynamic patterns in
bees sampled throughout the country. The second will be met by mapping the density and
quality of Amm stocks within and between geographical areas as well as assessment of
habitat in these areas.
Jack Hassett BSc
Postgraduate Researcher,
Shannon ABC,
Department of Applied Science,
Limerick Institute of Technology,
Moylish,
Limerick.