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FUGAPIS

Functional genome analysis of disease resistance in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

   Over the past decades, there is a constant decline of beekeeping in Germany and other European countries. The main reasons for colony losses are diseases and the accumulating number of pathogens, which developed resistances to chemical treatments. Diseases affecting the brood (e.g. Varroa destructor:  a parasitic mite, Paenibacillus larvae larvae = American Foulbrood: a bacterial disease) have been identified as the most dangerous pathogens for honeybees. Attempts to select for honeybees, which are more tolerant to diseases have had mixed success. This is primarily because the testing and selection of the phenotype of honeybee colonies is extremely time consuming (usually 2 yrs) and the mating system is difficult to control. FUGAPIS will develop swift molecular tools for confirming mating control and selection of resistant colonies, based on target genes which control diseases tolerance of honeybees. This is possible, because the complete honeybee genome (Apis mellifera) has become available, establishing this economical and ecological essential organism as a model system for genomic research. The genome sequence in combination with the haploid genome of honeybee males results in a unique system for mapping, identifying, and testing genes and their function. The screening of large numbers of drones will allow for detecting resistant types with unprecedented swiftness and precision. Expression studies will detect which gene cascades are involved in the development of disease resistance. Evaluation of gene expression in haploid organisms will greatly enhance speed and accuracy of target gene identification. FUGAPIS combines state of the art genomics, physiology and behaviour to identify gene functions controlling disease resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) will allow for specific target gene selection greatly enhancing selection progress. Cost efficient DNA based analyses kits, which test for the presence of resistance and tolerance genes, and the development of specific treatments enhancing the immune potential of honeybees will hit a profitable global market in apiculture.

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