UBeeO™ Testing Kit – Quantitative Assessment of Hygienic Behaviour in Apis mellifera
Overview
The UBeeO™ Testing Kit is a scientifically validated field assay for quantifying hygienic behaviour (HB) in honey bee colonies. Hygienic behaviour—characterised by the detection, uncapping, and removal of diseased or parasitised brood—is a heritable trait strongly associated with natural resistance to Varroa destructor, chalkbrood, and American foulbrood.
By mimicking the brood pheromones emitted by unhealthy pupae, UBeeO™ elicits a measurable hygienic response within a controlled area of capped brood, enabling rapid identification of high-HB colonies for use in breeding and selection.
Scientific Foundation
The UBeeO™ pheromone blend replicates the volatile compounds released by infected or dying brood, such as β-ocimene and oleic acid derivatives. These compounds are key triggers of hygienic behaviour in Apis mellifera, particularly among nurse bees aged 15–21 days.
Colony response to the assay correlates with results from traditional freeze-killed brood (FKB) and liquid nitrogen (LN2) assays, offering a less invasive and faster alternative for field and commercial operations.
Applications
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Selective Breeding: Identify high-HB colonies for use in closed or open mating programs.
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Varroa Management: Support reduced-treatment strategies by integrating behavioural resistance.
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Colony Evaluation: Quantify HB as part of selection indices including productivity, gentleness, and disease resistance.
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Research Use: Suitable for phenotyping in behavioural genetics, queen evaluation, and longitudinal resistance studies.
Kit Contents (10 Colony Tests)
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2 × UBeeO™ Pheromone Vials (5 tests per vial)
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1 × UBeeO™ Applicator – calibrated microdrop tool
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1 × Cleaning Solution & O‑Ring Lubricant
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1 × Precision Test Ring & Guide – ensures consistent 100-cell assay area
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1 × Whiteboard & Marker – field recording tools
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1 × Instruction Manual – protocol for 2-hour in-hive assay
Protocol Summary
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Select Frame: Choose a frame with sealed worker brood of uniform age.
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Apply Test Ring: Isolate a ~100-cell patch with the test ring.
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Dispense UBeeO™ Solution: Apply pheromone using the precision applicator.
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Return Frame: Reinsert frame into colony; wait 2 hours.
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Assess Response: Count number of uncapped cells within the treated area.
Interpretation: Colonies that uncap ≥60% of treated cells are classified as high-HB and are ideal for breeding selection.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Shelf Life: UBeeO™ vials are stable for up to 3 years when properly stored.
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Storage Conditions:
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Long-term storage: Keep vials in a freezer (-18°C or below) to maintain potency.
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Short-term storage (1–2 weeks): Refrigeration acceptable but not ideal.
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After Opening:
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Opened vials should be used within 24 hours.
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Reseal and refrigerate if reuse is necessary, though reduced activity may occur.
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Proper cold storage is essential to preserving the volatile components responsible for triggering the hygienic response.
Advantages
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Science-Based Stimulus – Synthetic analogues of brood distress pheromones
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Rapid Field Assay – Two-hour result window, no lab processing required
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Genetic Selection Support – Complements SNP genotyping and instrumental insemination programs
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Non-Destructive – Unlike FKB/LN2, no brood is sacrificed in the testing process
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Data-Driven Decisions – Enables repeatable, quantifiable selection
Product Specifications
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Testing Capacity: 10 colonies per kit
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Weight: 1.5 lbs
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Dimensions: 12.75 × 9.25 × 4.5 in
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Shipping Region: United Kingdom only
Summary
The UBeeO™ Testing Kit provides a rapid, non-lethal, and scientifically robust method for evaluating hygienic behaviour in honey bee colonies. Whether you're running a commercial breeding program or conducting behavioural research, UBeeO™ supports high-throughput, field-based phenotyping with results you can trust.