Methods for preservation of honey bee eggs and semen would be desirable for maintaining selected lines, increasing our ability to breed desirable bee types, and to improve genetic diversity in breeding populations. The published protocols for Drosophila embryo cryopreservation are the basis for development of a system for honey bees. Eggs are collected in groups of similar age, with 48 h old being the optimum time for cryopreservation. Dechorionation and vitrification of the eggs/embryos are necessary prior to flash freezing in liquid nitrogen. Embryos must also be quickly thawed. The number of eggs hatching under controlled temperature and humidity conditions is the measure of success. The current status of the research will be reported.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Apidae Apis mellifera (honey bee)
Keywords: embryo, cryopreservation
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