Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Diseases and Anomalies in the Queen Honey Bee, With Focus on Queen Selection

Among the numerous factors that affect the health of the bee colony, diseases, as well as congenital, developmental anomalies of the queen, occupy a significant place. Understanding the occurrence and course of diseases, their spread, control and treatment is a key factor in preserving the health and reproduction of the queen bee, as well as the entire bee colony. Varroa destructor, viruses and nosema are the most important factors that lead to the loss of bee colonies, as well as the queen bee itself. However, there are also diseases that only queen bees suffer from, as melanosis, carrying immature eggs, carrying unfertilized eggs, blockage of the oviduct with sperm cells etc. In addition to the aforementioned diseases, various anomalies can also occur in the queen during its development. In addition to pathogenic microorganisms, other biotic and abiotic factors, as genetic factors also affect the health and quality of the queen. Genetic selection of queens can greatly reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in bee colonies. That is why the health of the queen bee, as well as the ability of the bee colony to prevent the occurrence of certain diseases, is of increasing importance in selection and breeding programs.