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Abstract
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor poses a critical threat to Apis mellifera (honeybees), significantly impacting global apiculture. Despite advances, the genetic basis of Varroa resistance remains poorly understood and is increasingly recognized as a polygenic trait. To address this, we developed HoneyGDB, a user-friendly tool, and advanced genomic database that integrates large-scale omics resources to investigate Varroa resistance. Focusing on honeybees, we identified candidate genes associated with immune response and detoxification pathways as crucial components of Varroa resistance. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that Varroa resistance in honeybees is polygenic. We combined this with synteny analysis across 122 Hymenoptera genomes to explore evolutionary patterns and key innovations. Our study revealed that genomic rearrangements, rather than whole-genome duplications (WGD), drive evolution in Hymenoptera. Conserved synteny regions were identified, potentially linked to adaptations, with overall synteny conserved in closely related Hymenoptera species. This research provides a comprehensive view of the genetic architecture underlying Varroa resistance and offers valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing honeybee resilience. By integrating data from HoneyGDB with broader synteny patterns in Hymenoptera, we contribute to understanding the evolutionary forces shaping both resistance traits and genomic innovations.