User: Association des Apicultrices et Apiculteurs du Québec
The Queen’s Breeding Committee of the Association des apicultrices et apiculteurs du Québec, created in 2022, brings together six professional breeders who produce about 30,000 queens per year to supply Canadian beekeepers. In partnership with the Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (CRSAD), this committee aims to integrate a bee genetic selection program, developed since 2010. The program uses quantitative genetic methods to evaluate critical endpoints, such as disease resistance and honey production. To streamline costly and time-consuming phenotypic measurement processes, CRSAD aims to integrate genomic tools that will accelerate bee selection without resorting to complex evaluations. The Optibuzz project will focus on optimizing genomic sampling, including establishing the genetic profile of queens using drones. It also includes methods to assess genetic diversity, which is crucial for colony health. This will provide breeders with advanced tools to improve their selection. The economic model includes financing through contributions from the sale of queens. With a projected production of 75,000 queens per year within five years, this project aims to strengthen beekeeping in Canada while addressing the challenges of climate change.