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Tester workflow

The tester network is the backbone of BeePass genetic evaluation. Testers evaluate a breeder's F1 daughters in diverse environments, enabling the calculation of reliable breeding values for each F0 queen.

The tester's role​

Testers play an essential role in the breeding program:

  1. Receive F1 queens from a breeder
  2. Install them in their apiary, in a different environment from the breeder's
  3. Evaluate colony performance over the beekeeping season
  4. Submit the data through the BeePass evaluation form

The more testers a breeder has across varied geographic areas, the more reliable the estimated breeding values (EBV) become.

How to become a tester​

  1. Create a BeePass account with the Tester role
  2. Search for breeders via the BeePass Index or Chat
  3. Contact a breeder to arrange the shipment of F1 queens
  4. The breeder registers you as a tester and assigns the F1 queens to you
Geographic diversity

Diverse testing locations improve genetic evaluation quality. The XGBoost environmental correction removes biases related to location (altitude, climate, floral resources).

Evaluating an F1 queen​

To submit an evaluation:

  1. Open the F1 queen's detail page
  2. Click on the Evaluation tab
  3. Fill in the 8 performance traits:
TraitTypeDescription
Honey (kg)NumericHoney production in kilograms
GentlenessScore 1-4Behaviour at the hive
VigorScore 1-4Spring development of the colony
WinteringScore 1-4Overwintering ability
Non-swarmingScore 1-4Swarming resistance
Comb sittingScore 1-4Calm behaviour on combs
HYG 6hPercentageHygienic Pin Test, 6-hour reading
HYG 24hPercentageHygienic Pin Test, 24-hour reading
  1. Enter the apiary location (country, postal code) for environmental correction
  2. Submit the form

Data feedback​

Evaluations submitted by testers automatically feed into the breeder's genetic pipeline:

  • Environmental correction: XGBoost adjusts raw values to eliminate location bias
  • EBV calculation: BLUPF90 estimates breeding values for each F0 queen based on her F1 daughters' performance
  • Reliability: the more testers and evaluations, the higher the EBV reliability (r²)
Reliability and number of testers

With a single tester, reliability remains low. Starting from 5-10 testers in different environments, the EBVs become reliable enough for breeding decisions.

See also​