There is no place like home - importance of breeding locally adapted honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) provides pollination services for many plant species. Over the last decade, major losses of honey bee colonies have been recorded worldwide, mainly as a consequence of diseases, climate changes, agricultural and beekeeping practices. In order to improve the condition of their apiaries, beekeepers must adapt by applying new management strategies or introducing a new concept of colonies protection against diseases. One of the steps that can be taken is to keep and breed honey bees of local origin, bees that are adapted to the specific environment they inhabit. In this review article, the importance of local adaptation and current status of Carniolan honey bee in Croatia has been presented.