The genetic variability of the honeybee population in the Czech Republic had not been thoroughly studied before. This motivated a team of scientists from the Faculty of Agronomy to create a representative sample.
“We divided the entire Czech Republic by regions and districts, collecting an equal number of samples from each geographical area. This resulted in a unique database containing over 5,000 bee samples from across the country,” explained Tomáš Urban from the Institute of Morphology, Physiology, and Animal Genetics at Mendel University in Brno.
With this dataset, scientists were able to systematically analyze the genetic diversity of bees in the Czech Republic. “Historically, the so-called black bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, was traditionally adapted to the area of today’s Czech Republic. Around 200 years ago, a new bee type was gradually imported from the south, from what is now Croatia and Slovenia. This was the Carniolan honeybee, Apis mellifera carnica, which was less aggressive and had higher honey yields. Through mitochondrial DNA analysis, we found that the haplotype of the black bee is no longer present in our samples,” Urban described, suggesting that the native species once typical for the region has likely disappeared.
The historical import of bees from southern Europe had a breeding purpose, but molecular genetics is now expanding its potential. Thanks to the newly developed genetic database, scientists have not only mapped the diversity of honeybee mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in the Czech Republic but also identified genetic differences in individuals that may have higher resistance to diseases. This could be useful in future breeding efforts, particularly against Varroa destructor infestations.
“In Germany, England, and the Nordic countries, there have been efforts to gradually increase the resistance of bee colonies, but practical success has been limited so far. This is due to the complexity of the bee immune response and behavioral traits. That is why it is necessary to systematically search for genes that may be responsible for better resistance to pathogens. This was another key part of our research,” Urban added.
The research team has developed certified methodologies for testing individual bees using microsatellite markers. These markers allow for the identification of bees and the monitoring of their genetic variability in populations. The second methodology can also help identify bees that may have higher resistance to pathogens—an essential step for future breeding programs focused on Varroa resistance.
For more information, contact: Prof. Ing. Tomáš Urban, Ph.D., tomas.urban@mendelu.cz, +420 545 133 182, Institute of Morphology, Physiology, and Animal Genetics, Mendel University in Brno

Estimated genetic clusters representing population structure
More news
-
There are fewer and fewer shops in small villages in Czechia with a population of several hundred. They are being pushed out mainly by supermarkets opening in nearby larger towns, but rising costs are also a problem. Traditional shops in small…16. 9. 2025
-
Final Conference of the WATERLINE Project: A Digital Future for Water Education
The final conference of the international project WATERLINE, funded by the Horizon Europe programme took place at Hotel Passage in Brno. The hybrid-format event attracted a total of 119 participants, including 32 in-person attendees from Malta,…10. 9. 2025 -
Scientists are developing bio-films that can replace plastics in agriculture
While conventional plastics take thousands of years to decompose in the wild, biodegradable materials take only a few months or even weeks. Scientists at the Faculty of AgriSciences are working on the development of these materials. They use them to…4. 9. 2025 -
Scientific expedition in Mongolia: new butterfly discoveries and warning signs…
Experts from Mendel University, in collaboration with colleagues from other scientific institutions, conducted biodiversity mapping during a three-week summer stay in Mongolia, focusing on the southwestern part of the country, the Gobi Altai region.…25. 8. 2025 -
Small, thorny, and perfectly camouflaged. A Czech scientist in Somalia has…
It is tiny, measuring about two centimeters, and almost invisible in the field. This is because its color blends in with its surroundings. We are talking about a new species of spurge discovered in West Africa by Pavel Hanáček and an international…22. 8. 2025 -
MENDELU brought playful forest pedagogy to Mongolia
A wide range of experts from MENDELU spent three intensive weeks in Mongolia, during which they focused on topics related to forestry, biodiversity, and strengthening the relationship between forests and society. This section also included a…11. 8. 2025 -
Coffee cultivation has a poor future due to climate change, agroforestry system…
Globally, coffee provides a livelihood for 125 million people. But forecasting models show that its cultivation has a poor future due to climate change. Sites suitable for growing Coffea arabica are predicted to decline dramatically. In that case,…4. 8. 2025 -
WATERLINE Workshop: International Water Research Experts were Shaping the…
On July 2nd WATERLINE organised a workshop for International Water Research Experts for in-depth consultation on policy recommendation guidelines on Digital Water Innovation.25. 7. 2025 -
Mendel fights a pea monster at the substation on Drobného Street
A unique mural dedicated to the father of genetics, Gregor Johann Mendel, now adorns the transformer station on Drobného Street near the MENDELU campus. The aim is to remind passers-by and those passing by of his personality and contribution to…21. 7. 2025 -
Saharan bacteria boost vine root growth by up to half
The vine is attacked by a number of pathogenic fungi that can completely destroy the plant within a few years. They usually get in through the cut wound. And if the plant is also stressed by drought and high temperatures, they are even more…15. 7. 2025