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"We have seen developments across several areas, including in gene editing, conventional breeding techniques and several novel integrated pest management trials which are showing promise," they said.

A suite of agricultural techniques called integrated pest management combines biological, chemical and mechanical controls to sustainably manage pests.

“What we’ve learned through integrated pest management is that the timing of one or staggering of different approaches together yields results for the growers,” said Aubuchon.

Additionally, while weather significantly impacted winter colony survival, beekeepers using these integrated pest management strategies -- where multiple methods are used to control Varroa mites -- had higher colony survival rates even in harsh weather conditions.

"Our work introduces new questions about how colonies treated with an integrated pest management may be buffered from the worst effects of weather, which would have implications for climate change adaptation in beekeeping," Gray said.