Varroa destructor, principal ectoparasite de l'abeille, est l'un des responsables majeurs des phénomènes de perte de colonies observés partout dans le monde. Depuis son changement d'hôte et l'infestation de colonies d'Apis mellifera dans les années 1970, des traitements essentiellement chimiques ont été proposés pour limiter l'infestation. Pourtant ces dernières années, ces traitements ont fait l'objet d'études critiques à la fois à cause de la résistance émergente du parasite aux différents acaricides et du fait de la sensibilité des abeilles à l'accumulation de produits chimiques dans les différentes matrices de la ruche. De nouveaux traitements alternatifs contre la varroose sont donc nécessaires et très attendus afin d'enrayer rapidement les effets délétères du parasitisme acarien. Cependant, la recherche de ces nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques est limitée par l'absence d'un système d'élevage synchronisé de l'hôte et de son parasite en laboratoire. L'objectif technique de ce travail de thèse était donc de pallier à ce manque en développant une méthode pour coupler l'élevage de larves d'abeilles in vitro avec le transfert à la fois de la phase phorétique et de la phase de reproduction du parasite (respectivement sur les adultes et sur les pupes) dans des conditions de laboratoire. Le système mis au point lors de ces travaux de thèse a permis une étude plus approfondie de l'impact de facteurs variables chez l'hôte sur plusieurs points clés du cycle parasitaire. Les effets de la nutrition larvaire chez l'abeille, la longueur de la phase phorétique, le type d'abeilles adultes sur lequel Varroa reste au cours de cette phase ou encore l'âge des stades larvaires ont ainsi été étudiés. L'analyse des impacts potentiels de ces facteurs a porté principalement sur certains paramètres de la reproduction, du comportement et de la virulence de V. destructor. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que la nutrition larvaire, ou plus précisément la supplémentation de la nourriture larvaire avec des pollens monofloraux et polyfloraux, a un faible impact sur la reproduction du parasite, mais présente une tendance à influencer le poids de l'abeille ainsi qu'à potentiellement augmenter la tolérance de l'abeille à certains des symptômes de la varroose, tels que la perte de poids. La reproduction du parasite n'a pas non plus été affectée par les variations induites dans la phase phorétique. Ni la fertilité du parasite, ni l'expression des deux gènes de la vitellogénine n'ont fluctué lorsque la durée ou l'âge des adultes parasités pendant la phase phorétique variaient. En revanche, la durée du séjour sur les abeilles adultes avant la reproduction est corrélée positivement à la charge virale chez le parasite, ce qui explique pourquoi les varroas ayant vécu une longue phase phorétique induisent plus fréquemment des malformations. Enfin, l'âge des stades juvéniles des abeilles sont tous attrayants pour Varroa destructor, bien que certaines préférences aient été mises en évidence dans notre étude. Si l'attraction pour le 5ème stade larvaire et les abeilles nouvellement écloses est déjà connu, l'attractivité des nymphes aux yeux blancs est un phénomène nouveau qui pourrait être d'importance majeure pour la compréhension du cycle parasitaire. Des analyses approfondies pour isoler les signaux responsables de cette attraction restent nécessaires. En conclusion, les travaux de cette thèse offrent une méthode d'élevage innovante et ouvrent ainsi, pour l'ensemble de la communauté apicole, de nouvelles avenues de recherche passionnantes afin de développer nos connaissances à la fois sur l'abeille, sur le parasite et sur les virus qu'il transporte. Ce travail pourrait permettre d'identifier de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques pour la conception de traitements alternatifs ciblant spécifiquement le parasite sans nuire à l'abeille. / Varroa destructor is the principal acarian parasite of the honey bee, involved in the phenomenon of colony loss which has been reported worldwide. Since its host shift from Apis cerana to Apis mellifera in the 1970's, chemical treatments have been set up to limit infestation. For many years however, these treatments have been the subject of critical studies both because of the resistance of the parasite to acaricides and of the sensitivity of bees to chemical accumulation in hive matrices. New alternative ways of varroatosis treatment are therefore urgently needed to limit the deleterious effects of the acarian parasitism. However, the search for these alternative therapeutic targets is limited by the lack of a laboratory system to transfer and synchronize the cycles of V. destructor and the honey bee under controlled conditions. The methodological objective of this Phd work was to overcome this issue by developing a method to couple the rearing of honey bee larvae in vitro to the transfer of both the parasite phoretic and reproductive phases (respectively on adults and on pupae) in laboratory conditions. Our system allowed further investigation regarding the impact of variable parameters in the host on several key points of the parasite cycle. The effects of several factors -such as the bee larval nutrition, the length of the phoretic phase, the type of adult bees on which Varroa stays during this phase or the age of pupal development- were studied. The potential impact in the parasite cycle focused mainly on reproductive, behavioural and virulence related parameters. The results obtained from our experiments showed that larval nutrition, tested via the supplementation of the larval food with pollen, had no impact on the reproduction of the parasite but a tendency to influence the weight of the bee, potentially increasing the bee tolerance to some of the symptoms of varroatosis, such as the weight loss. The reproduction of Varroa was not impacted by variations induced in the phoretic phase either. Neither the fertility of the parasite nor the expression of its two vitellogenin genes were impacted by the duration or the age of adults parasitized during the phoretic phase. On the other hand, the length of the stay on adult bees before reproduction positively correlates with the viral loads in the parasite, which explains why varroas experiencing a long phoretic phase induce malformation more frequently in parasitized pupae. Finally, the age of juvenile stages of the honey bees are all attractive to Varroa destructor, although some preferences have been highlighted in our study. If the attraction for 5th instar larvae and newly emerged bees have already been described, the attractions towards the white eyed pupae is a new phenomenon that could be of major importance in the understanding of the parasite cycle. Further analysis to isolate and shed light on the attraction signals involved in the process is needed. Altogether, this thesis has supplied, for the whole scientific beekeeping community, new exciting research avenues and methodologies to develop our knowledge about the bee, the parasite and the viruses it carries. It might allow us, in the future, to design alternative treatment specifically targeting the parasite without injuring the honey bee.

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the influence of mite Varroa destructor on the health of honeybees and the occurrence of viral diseases of bees. The presence of Nosema was also explored. The occurrence of deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus was detected by RT-PCR method. Coprological examination proved the incidence of spore Nosema spp.

Submitted by Élida Maeli Fernandes Quirino (maely_sax@hotmail.com) on 2018-05-15T13:05:55Z No. of bitstreams: 1 FRNACISCO ARICLENES OLINTO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGSA PROFISSIONAL 2014..pdf: 1640106 bytes, checksum: b19b02a5c2c2ea22def9e997924518db (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-15T13:05:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 FRNACISCO ARICLENES OLINTO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGSA PROFISSIONAL 2014..pdf: 1640106 bytes, checksum: b19b02a5c2c2ea22def9e997924518db (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-16 / A apicultura é uma das poucas atividades agropecuárias que atende aos três requisitos da sustentabilidade: o econômico, o social e o ecológico. Sendo assim, fornece renda para o apicultor, ocupa mão de obra familiar ou contratada e contribui para a preservação da flora nativa. A abelha é importante para a economia mundial como polinizadora, aumentando a produção de frutos e sementes, e como fornecedora de mel, cera, geleia real, própolis, pólen e veneno (apitoxina). Esses produtos são muito procurados para a matéria-prima das indústrias farmacêutica, alimentícia e cosmética e para consumo em forma natural. A sanidade pode afetar o desenvolvimento da apicultura, pois a Apis mellifera como qualquer outro organismo vivo, é susceptível a doenças causadas por bactérias, vírus, fungos e outros parasitas e as desordens metabólicas, nutricionais e hormonais, além de intoxicações diversas. Assim, em virtude da necessidade de estudos a respeito da sanidade apícola, objetiva-se estudar o comportamento higiênico e a identificação da varroatose e nosemose em colônias de abelhas Apis mellifera em apiários localizados no Sertão do Estado da Paraíba. A pesquisa foi realizada no período de março, abril e maio de 2014, em cinco apiários localizados nos municípios de Condado, Pombal, Jericó, São Bentinho e São Domingos, ambos situados na Mesorregião do Sertão do Estado da Paraíba, com um total de 25 colmeias avaliadas. O teste de comportamento higiênico foi realizado com base no método de perfuração das células de crias. Para análise da infestação por ácaro Varroa destructor, as abelhas adultas foram coletadas e acondicionadas em frascos de vidro contendo álcool a 70%, após 24 horas foi realizada a contagem dos ácaros. Para a identificação de Nosema spp. foi utilizado o método de nível de infecção da colônia, sendo selecionadas dez abelhas adultas para retirada do aparelho intestinal e posterior leitura em microscópio óptico. O percentual de comportamento higiênico foi semelhante em ambos os apiários, principalmente em Condado (93,96%), Pombal (94,30%), Jericó (87,63%) e São Domingos (95,20%), ocorrendo apenas uma ligeira diferença no apiário de São Bentinho com uma média de 76,31%. No apiário de Condado foram encontrados 59 ácaros Varroa destructor, nas colmeias do apiário de Pombal obteve-se apenas seis ácaros, em Jericó foram encontrados 19 ácaros, no apiário de São Bentinho, foi observado o maior número de ácaros entre os apiários, 62 varroas no total e no apiário de São Domingos foram observados 48 ácaros. A frequência de Nosema spp. em colmeias manejadas na região do estudo foi de 36% de um total de 25 enxames avaliados. O apiário localizado no município de Pombal obteve os melhores resultados, apresentando índice elevado de comportamento higiênico e valores baixos para varroatose e nosemose. A africanização das abelhas e as altas temperaturas do Sertão Paraibano tendem a possibilitar melhor resistência das colmeias a enfermidades. / Beekeeping is one of the few agricultural activities that meets the three requirements of sustainability: economic, social and ecological. Therefore, provides income for the beekeeper, occupies family labor or hired and contributes to the preservation of native flora. The bee is important for the world economy as a pollinator, increasing the production of fruits and seeds, and as a supplier of honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, pollen and venom (bee venom). These products are in high demand for raw materials in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries and for consumption in natural form industries. Sanity may affect the development of beekeeping because Apis mellifera like any other living organism is susceptible to diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and metabolic, nutritional and hormonal disorders, and several poisoning. Thus, because of the need for studies concerning the apiculture health, this study focuses on hygienic behavior and the identification of varroatose and nosemosis in Apis mellifera honeybee colonies in apiaries located in the backlands of the state of Paraíba. The survey was conducted from March, April and May 2014, in five apiaries located in the cities of Condado, Pombal, Jericó, São Bentinho and São Domingos, both located in the Greater Region of the Backlands of the State of Paraíba, with a total of 25 evaluated hives. The hygienic behavior test was conducted based on the method of drilling the brood. For analysis of the mite Varroa destructor infestation, the adult bees were collected and placed in glass vials containing 70% alcohol, after 24 hours was performed to count the mites. For the identification of Nosema spp. we used the colony of infection level method, selecting ten adult bees to remove the intestinal and later reading device in an optical microscope. The hygienic behavior percentage was similar in both apiaries, especially in Condado (93.96%), Pombal (94.30%), Jericó (87.63%) and São Domingos (95.20%); there was one slight difference in the apiary of São Bentinho with an average of 76.31%. In Condado apiary found 59 mites Varroa destructor in the apiary hives of Pombal was obtained only six mites Jericó found 19 mites in the apiary of São Bentinho, it was observed the largest number of mites between apiaries, 62 varroas in total and in the apiary of São Domingos were observed 48 mites. The frequency of Nosema spp. In the hives managed in the region of the study was 36% of a total of 25 clusters evaluated. Apiary located in the city of Pombal obtained the best results, with high level of hygienic behavior and low values for varroatose and nosemosis. The Africanization of bees and the high temperatures of the Paraiba’s hinterlands tend to provide improved resistance to diseases of the hives.

Pollination necessary for the agricultural crop production affects the functions of the ecosystems on earth. In landscapes where wild pollinators are decreasing, honey bees promote the maintenance of plant species, therefore honey bee losses are of great concern. Current honey bee colony losses (Apis mellifera) worldwide are caused by Colony collapse disorder, the mite Varroa destructor and pesticides. This results in the honey bees weakened immune defenses making them susceptible to different diseases. Studies show that long-term natural selection for coexistence, or resistance to Varroa mites by honey bees is possible, but further developments are needed for this application in managed beekeeping. Furthermore, lactic acid bacteria found in honey bees can play a crucial role by improving its immune response. At places where apicultural practices have led to decreased amounts of lactic acid bacteria in the bees, supplementary feeding is a possible treatment solution. The beekeepers' observations of mite reproduction dynamics and the overwintering of strong and healthy honey bees are needed to decrease Varroa treatment with synthetic chemicals. Based on this knowledge, a small survey of beekeepers in Örebro County, Sweden, was conducted in an attempt to determine the status of their bees during the last 5 years. The largest colony loss over the past 5 winters was predominantly in 2012-2013. Varroa mite infestations with disease symptoms were primarily found in the central region. Since the survey was small and time was limited it was only possible to make general conclusions. Deeper understanding of lactic acid bacteria in honey bee societies and their inhibition of different diseases are important for future research.

Arsenophonus is vertically and horizontally transmitted parasitic bacteria and strengthens its transfer through phenomenon called son killing. Arsenophonus has been detected in the arthropod hosts, insects, ticks and the garden spider Araneus diadematus. The aim of this study is detection parasitic bacteria Arsenophonus in honeybees and its parasite Varroa destructor. We find out that bacteria Arsenophonus is present in both hosts and it is identified as Arsenophonus nasoniae. Detection of bacteria Arsenophonus is discovered for the first time in Varroa destructor mites. We proved that the frequency of bacteria Arsenophonus in mites Varroa destructor is significantly higher than in honeybees. This study shows that the mite Varroa destructor could act as a vector for transmission parasitic bacteria Arsenophonus among honeybees. Results of this study could lead to the future application of Arsenophonus as a biological control for the mite Varroa destructor.

The mite ectoparasite Varroa destructor, poses a serious threat for the survival of the Apis mellifera colonies. The intensive use of acaricidal products is one of the most common methods for defending bees from Varroa that can cause the contamination of the wax foundation used in beekeeping. The natural honeycomb management could provide a solution for this problem, because it involves the use of frames without wax foundation which allows the bees to build a complete comb ex novo. On the other hand, colonies which are free to build cells of their choice, usually build a number of drone cells higher than colonies managed with the wax foundation. This could potentially lead to several negative consequences because the V. destructor reproductive success is greater on drone broods than on worker broods. The aim of the present study was to examine the colony development, to evaluate the honey production and to monitor the growth of V. destructor infestations and associated virus infections in Apis mellifera colonies managed by using natural honeycombs compared with the conventional management. Several colony parameters were measured in spring and summer. The strength of the colony was used to estimate the worker and drone populations. In order to measure the V. destructor infestations were used several methods, such as the natural mite fall, the powdered sugar roll, the soapy water and the brood cell uncapping. Molecular analysis was performed in order to measure the viral load of five Apis mellifera viruses. The honey produced was measured by collecting the honey stored in the supers, which are boxes placed on a beehive for bees to store. The results showed that the higher presence of drone brood in the colonies managed using the natural honeycomb did not negatively affect the colony development nor the mite V. destructor population compared to control colonies. The molecular analysis showed that the DWV was the most common virus found in bee samples, and its viral load was more influenced from the mite infestation rate than from the treatment. The analysis carried out in this study showed that the natural honeycomb management can represent a valid alternative to the wax foundation. This kind of colony management thus appears to contradict our primary hypothesis which was that letting the bees build their own honeycomb would have led to a significant increase in the V. destructor infestation. Productivity data did not provide reliable results about the difference between the natural honeycomb and the conventional colony management due to climatic adversities. Further studies will be performed to better investigate this aspect. Data about the natural mite fall and the estimation of the mite population in the phoretic/reproductive phases provided a useful starting point for further studies on the correct timing to carry out acaricide treatments both in conventional and natural honeycomb managed colonies.

Tableau d’honneur de la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales, 2018-2019. / En se nourrissant de l’hémolymphe et des corps gras de l’abeille domestique (Apis mellifera L.) et en lui transmettant de nombreux virus, l’acarien parasite Varroa destructor (Acari : varroidae) constitue la principale cause de mortalité des colonies d’abeilles. Les traitements chimiques présentement utilisés pour lutter contre le varroa comportent plusieurs désavantages, tels que le développement de résistance de l’acarien aux acaricides de synthèse et une toxicité variable pour l’abeille. Via l’utilisation d’ennemis naturels du parasite, la lutte biologique pourrait représenter une avenue durable et sécuritaire pour la santé des colonies. L’objectif principal de cette étude était de tester l’efficacité de l’acarien prédateur Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari : Lealapidae) comme moyen de lutte biologique contre le varroa. Une étude du comportement alimentaire du prédateur a d’abord été réalisée afin d’évaluer le risque de prédation du couvain d’abeille (oeufs, larves et pupes) par S. scimitus, ainsi que son potentiel de prédation envers les varroas phorétiques (se trouvant sur le corps des abeilles adultes). Des essais in vivo ont ensuite permis d’évaluer l’efficacité de deux doses d’introduction du prédateur (6 250 ou 12 500 acariens/colonie) à contrôler les populations de varroa dans les colonies d’abeilles en septembre (en comparaison avec l’acaricide biologique Thymovar®) et en novembre (en comparaison avec l’acide oxalique). Bien que S. scimitus soit capable de s’alimenter sur tous les stades de développement de l’abeille en laboratoire, nos résultats suggèrent que le prédateur ne représente pas une menace pour le couvain lorsqu’il est introduit dans la colonie. Par contre, nos résultats démontrent que le prédateur n’est pas en mesure de contrôler les populations de varroas dans les colonies d’abeilles sous les conditions testées, c’est-à-dire lorsqu’il est introduit à l’automne selon la dose actuellement recommandée par certains distributeurs. Cette inefficacité est probablement liée à l’incapacité du prédateur à s’attaquer aux varroas phorétiques. / By feeding on the hemolymph and fat bodies of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and transmitting many viruses, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Acari: varroidae) is considered as the main cause of honey bee colony losses. The use of chemicals in varroa control shows many disadvantages, such as the development of mite resistance to synthetic acaricides and a variable toxicity for bees. Through the use of natural enemies, the biological control of varroa mites could represent a sustainable and safe avenue for colony health. The main objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Lealapidae) as a means of biological control against varroa mites. A study of the predator’s feeding behaviour was first performed to evaluate the risk of predation of bee brood (eggs, larvae and pupae) by S. scimitus, as well as its predation potential upon phoretic varroa mites (varroa parasitizing adult bees). In vivo trials were then carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of two predator introduction rates (6,250 or 12,500 mites / colony) to control varroa populations in honey bee colonies in September (compared to the organic acaricide Thymovar®) and in November (compared to oxalic acid). Although S. scimitus is able to feed on all bee developmental stages in the laboratory, our results suggest that the predator does not pose a threat to the bee brood when introduced into the colony. On the other hand, our results demonstrate that the predator is not able to control varroa populations in bee colonies under the tested conditions, that is, when it is introduced in fall according to the rate currently recommended by some biocontrol suppliers. This ineffectiveness is probably related to the inability of the predator to attack phoretic varroa mites.

No description available.

Tableau d'honneur de la FÉSP / En se nourrissant de l’hémolymphe et des corps gras de l’abeille domestique (Apis mellifera L.) et en lui transmettant de nombreux virus, l’acarien parasite Varroa destructor (Acari : varroidae) constitue la principale cause de mortalité des colonies d’abeilles. Les traitements chimiques présentement utilisés pour lutter contre le varroa comportent plusieurs désavantages, tels que le développement de résistance de l’acarien aux acaricides de synthèse et une toxicité variable pour l’abeille. Via l’utilisation d’ennemis naturels du parasite, la lutte biologique pourrait représenter une avenue durable et sécuritaire pour la santé des colonies. L’objectif principal de cette étude était de tester l’efficacité de l’acarien prédateur Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari : Lealapidae) comme moyen de lutte biologique contre le varroa. Une étude du comportement alimentaire du prédateur a d’abord été réalisée afin d’évaluer le risque de prédation du couvain d’abeille (oeufs, larves et pupes) par S. scimitus, ainsi que son potentiel de prédation envers les varroas phorétiques (se trouvant sur le corps des abeilles adultes). Des essais in vivo ont ensuite permis d’évaluer l’efficacité de deux doses d’introduction du prédateur (6 250 ou 12 500 acariens/colonie) à contrôler les populations de varroa dans les colonies d’abeilles en septembre (en comparaison avec l’acaricide biologique Thymovar®) et en novembre (en comparaison avec l’acide oxalique). Bien que S. scimitus soit capable de s’alimenter sur tous les stades de développement de l’abeille en laboratoire, nos résultats suggèrent que le prédateur ne représente pas une menace pour le couvain lorsqu’il est introduit dans la colonie. Par contre, nos résultats démontrent que le prédateur n’est pas en mesure de contrôler les populations de varroas dans les colonies d’abeilles sous les conditions testées, c’est-à-dire lorsqu’il est introduit à l’automne selon la dose actuellement recommandée par certains distributeurs. Cette inefficacité est probablement liée à l’incapacité du prédateur à s’attaquer aux varroas phorétiques. / By feeding on the hemolymph and fat bodies of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and transmitting many viruses, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Acari: varroidae) is considered as the main cause of honey bee colony losses. The use of chemicals in varroa control shows many disadvantages, such as the development of mite resistance to synthetic acaricides and a variable toxicity for bees. Through the use of natural enemies, the biological control of varroa mites could represent a sustainable and safe avenue for colony health. The main objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Lealapidae) as a means of biological control against varroa mites. A study of the predator’s feeding behaviour was first performed to evaluate the risk of predation of bee brood (eggs, larvae and pupae) by S. scimitus, as well as its predation potential upon phoretic varroa mites (varroa parasitizing adult bees). In vivo trials were then carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of two predator introduction rates (6,250 or 12,500 mites / colony) to control varroa populations in honey bee colonies in September (compared to the organic acaricide Thymovar®) and in November (compared to oxalic acid). Although S. scimitus is able to feed on all bee developmental stages in the laboratory, our results suggest that the predator does not pose a threat to the bee brood when introduced into the colony. On the other hand, our results demonstrate that the predator is not able to control varroa populations in bee colonies under the tested conditions, that is, when it is introduced in fall according to the rate currently recommended by some biocontrol suppliers. This ineffectiveness is probably related to the inability of the predator to attack phoretic varroa mites.

O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar parâmetros genéticos para características produtivas e comportamentais em uma população de abelhas Apis mellifera africanizadas por meio de inferência Bayesiana. Os dados foram submetidos a análises uni e bicaracterística utilizando o programa MTGSAM. Os modelos consideraram os efeitos (fixos) de local do apiário, mês-ano ou estação-ano e o número de caixilhos com abelhas aderentes como covariável linear. As estimativas de herdabilidade apresentaram magnitudes de moderada a alta para comportamento higiênico (0,81 ± 0,17), produção de própolis (0,83 ± 0,16), produção de mel (0,37 ± 0,22) e taxa de coleta de xarope (0,39 ± 0,22) e magnitude baixa para a percentagem de ácaros em abelhas adultas (0,12 ± 0,13). A rapidez de coleta de xarope apresentou correlação genética de 0,21 ± 0,51 com produção de mel, de 0,45 ± 0,33 com produção de própolis, e de 0,05 ± 0,43 com comportamento higiênico. As correlações genéticas entre produção de mel, produção de própolis e comportamento higiênico foram de 0,20 ± 0,43, de -0,11 ± 0,41 e de 0,23 ± 0,31, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas foram negativas entre percentagem de ácaros em abelhas adultas e as características produção de mel (-0,63 ± 0,39), produção de própolis (-0,07 ± 0,50), comportamento higiênico (-0,19 ± 0,51) e rapidez de coleta de xarope (- 0,41 ± 0,51). As características produção de mel, produção de própolis e comportamento higiênico apresentam potencial para seleção genética. A menor percentagem de ácaros em abelhas adultas está relacionado a maior produção de mel e maior comportamento higiênico, mas não deve ser usado como único critério de seleção devido a baixa herdabilidade. A seleção de abelhas que coletam xarope mais rapidamente, prevendo maior produção de mel, promoverá pequeno ganho genético. Ao selecionar abelhas que produzem mais própolis haverá pequenos ganhos genéticos para comportamento higiênico ou maior produção de mel. / This study was carried out to estimate genetic parameters for productive and behavioural traits in Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera. The data were submitted uni and bicharacter analysis using the software MTGSAM. The fixed effects considered in the models were localization of the hive, month-year or season-year and number of frames covered with bees as covariate. The heritability estimates were moderate to high for hygienic behaviour (0,81 ± 0,17), propolis production (0,83 ± 0,16), honey production (0,37 ± 0,22) and syrup-collection rate (0,39 ± 0,22) and lower for percentage of mites on adult bees (0,12 ± 0,13). Syrup-collection rate showed genetic correlation values of 0,21 ± 0,51 with honey production, 0,45 ± 0,33 with propolis production and 0,05 ± 0,43 with hygienic behaviour. Genetic correlation between honey and propolis was 0,20 ± 0,43, between honey production and hygienic behaviour was -0,11 ± 0,41 and between propolis production and hygienic behaviour was 0,23 ± 0,31. Genetic correlations were negative between percentage of mites on adult bees and other traits honey production (-0,63 ± 0,39), propolis production (-0,07 ± 0,50), hygienic behaviour (-0,19 ± 0,51) and syrup-collection rate. Honey production, propolis production and hygienic behavior traits have potential for genetic selection. The lower percentage of mites on adult bees increase honey production or hygienic behaviour, but it is not recommended as the only criterion for selection, due to its low heritability. Selection for syrupcollection rate will promote small genetic gain for honey production. Propolis production is positively correlated to hygienic behaviour or honey production.