Honey Bee Breeding and Breed: Advancements, Challenges, and Prospects

ABSTRACT Honey bees occupy a pivotal role in safeguarding ecological balance and bolstering the global agricultural economy through their indispensable pollination services. As the foremost commercial pollinator and producer of bee products, the western honey bees, Apis mellifera , have been extensively domesticated and managed worldwide. To harness their potential and enhance production traits, selective breeding practices are commonly implemented under human management. Nevertheless, despite the significance of these efforts, the foundational theories and concepts that underpin honey bee breeding remain fragmented. In this paper, we discuss the biological taxonomy of A. mellifera and the pertinent issues therein, emphasizing the necessity to recognize it as a domesticated animal and elucidate the concepts associated with livestock breeding. Drawing upon recent advances in the studies of honey bees and other domesticated species, we review the progress and challenges encountered in utilizing traditional breeding methods, which rely on phenotypic selection and natural mating, as well as marker‐assisted selections integrating modern biotechnological tools at the molecular level. Moreover, the utilization of gene‐editing tools in honey bee breeding is prospected, and the importance of reconciling bee breeding practices with conservation strategies is highlighted. Future research endeavors are anticipated to decipher the intricate genetic architecture underlying honey bee traits and develop precise genetic markers while weighing the ecological consequences of these breeding interventions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and relentless innovation, robust technological support can be established to restore and protect honey bee populations, thereby ensuring the sustained vitality and contribution of this precious natural resource to our planet.