LATSHAW APIARIES 

KARNICA QUEENS

Primary Objective:   

My primary objective with developing the KARNICA strain of Carniolans was to produce a commercially productive strain that exhibits the traditional characteristics associated with the hardy Carniolan bee.

Karnica Characteristics: 

The KARNICA strain is known for its ability to withstand harsh winter temperatures and conservative use of winter stores.  KARNICAS winter with a relatively small clusters, but build rapidly in the spring when pollen and nectar become available. 

KARNICAS are excellent honey producers for areas that have quick early honey flows.  Colony population is carefully regulated by pollen and nectar availability.  Such a characteristic is ideal for a harsh environment, but may not be ideal in certain areas.  KARNICAS tend to reduce brood production in hot dry climates to the extent that they may miss the fall honey flow.

Genetic Selection Strategies: 

My overall approach to genetic selection is to minimize or eliminate treatments. In order to develop productive and resistant strains, the bees must be challenged to determine which colonies are the least susceptible and most desirable for the next generation.  Nosema and Varroa Mites are two specific areas where I am focusing my selection efforts.

Nosema can be a very serious disease for honey bees, but there is some evidence that there are environmental and genetic influences involved with the prevalence of Nosema.  In order for bees to develop any form of natural resistance, they must be exposed to Nosema.  Therefore, I do not treat any of my colonies for Nosema.  At this time the specific mechanisms that allow some colonies to perform well without treatment are not fully understood.  For our purpose right now I am simply interested in identifying those colonies that do perform well without treatment.

Varroa Mites are perhaps the most challenging aspect of beekeeping which is why I have focused a great deal of my selection efforts towards developing strains that do not require treatment.  Over the past several years I have gradually reduced treatments for Varroa in order to evaluate the colonies’ performance in the presence of mites.  It has not been an easy task, but my bees continue to perform well with decreased Varroa treatments.

I feel it is important to preface my selection efforts to develop strains of bees that do not require treatment for Nosema or Varroa.  Will the same hold true in your commercial operations?  I am inclined to say that current commercial practices will require Varroa and perhaps Nosema treatments.  Increased honey bee population densities and other stresses placed on honey bee colonies by a commercial style of management necessitate additional inputs.  However, by selecting strains that are better adapted to withstand the stresses of a commercial operation, a better bee can improve overall productivity. 

Another aspect of overall colony health and disease resistance that has received research attention is the area of genetic diversity.  Recent research has shown the importance of genetic diversity within honey bee populations, both within an operation and within a colony.  Greater genetic diversity results in increased disease resistance and productivity.  My approach to utilizing genetic diversity is twofold.  I evaluate new stock each year for possible introduction into the KARNICA strain.  I also use homogenized or mixed semen to increase genetic diversity.

Honey bee selection and breeding is an ever changing process.  However it is important to focus on the primary objective which is to develop a healthy and productive bee for the commercial beekeeping industry.

To Order 2010 Breeder Queens

Latshaw Apiaries is proud to offer instrumentally inseminated Aurea and Karnica breeder queens to the beekeeping industry.  I offer the highest quality breeder queens and stand behind their performance.  Breeder queens are available for shipment June through September, depending on the weather conditions in the central Ohio area.  I prefer to ship your breeder queens the year before they are actually used as a grafting source.  This will ensure the queens have plenty of time to become established so that you can view their performance, and the queens will be ready for grafting when you need them the following spring.

The Aurea and Karnica stock I have developed offer unsurpassed quality.  The price charged for breeder queens reflects the great deal of time and energy invested in their development and continuous genetic evaluation.  I take great pride in the stock I have developed, and I prefer to work with other beekeepers who also take great pride in their bees.  The production of instrumentally inseminated breeder queens requires great attention to detail and a sound understanding of honey bee genetics.  My objective is to assist you with the selection of the proper breeder queens for your operation's success.

I prefer to sell breeder queens in groups.  I am hesitant to sell individual breeder queens as I think it does a disservice to beekeepers primarily because genetic diversity is beneficial for your operation.  Re-queening your operation with queens from a single breeder queen reduces critical genetic diversity.

To Order Please Contact:

Dr. Joseph S. Latshaw

Ph: 614-855-9065

E-mail ohioqb@aol.com

Send mail to ohioqb@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 12/28/09

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