Monday January 20th, 2025 at 12:00PM – 1:00PM (EST)
This is a free event with donations optional. All proceeds go toward beekeeper education, future speaker events, and further development and outreach efforts of the SBGMI. This event will be recorded and available to subscribing SBGMI members for a brief time.
Dr. Fanny Mondet is a leading researcher in honey bee biology, particularly focusing on the interaction between bees and the Varroa destructor mite, a major threat to global beekeeping. She is based at INRAE (the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France.
Dr. Mondet’s research emphasizes honey bees’ social immunity mechanisms, particularly hygienic behaviors that can suppress Varroa populations. Her studies integrate molecular biology, neurophysiology, and chemical ecology to understand how bees detect and respond to infected brood cells. She aims to provide insights into the genetic and behavioral traits that could lead to more sustainable beekeeping practices by enhancing bees’ natural defenses against Varroa.
In this presentation, Dr. Mondet will explore the development of a bioassay to assess VSH performance in colonies and how this can aid in breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to Varroa mites. Key chemical compounds that trigger VSH behavior will be highlighted, along with insights into how adult bees detect and respond to these compounds. The presentation will also cover the implications of these findings for integrated pest management strategies, including the potential use of synthetic compounds to stimulate hygienic behavior in bees. By understanding and applying these insights, beekeepers can improve colony health and reduce the impact of Varroa mites on their hives.