F1 queen bees
Queens selected to improve productivity, gentleness and colony stability.
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Genetics for the future
of beekeeping
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Fast delivery
across Europe -
Ongoing technical
support -
Bees resistant
to varroa -
Continuous genetic
research
TENUTA RITIRO
Sharing genetics to build tomorrow’s beekeeping
Tenuta Ritiro was founded to share the genetics and expertise needed to make beekeeping resilient to constant change.
Our work combines scientific research, genetic selection and technical consulting to give beekeepers practical tools to improve the performance of their hives.
We study the hereditary traits of bees and develop selection programmes that yield more stable, resistant and productive colonies.
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We don’t just sell bees. We build genetic pathways that allow beekeepers to improve and preserve their apiary heritage over time.
OUR SELECTION METHOD
Buckfast is not a bee race, but one of the most advanced genetic selection systems in modern beekeeping.
This method is based on identifying the best hereditary traits across the different subspecies of Apis mellifera and combining them into stable, high-performing genetic lines.
The result is bees that are more productive, more resistant to disease and able to adapt to climate change.
For Tenuta Il Ritiro, Buckfast is the most effective tool for developing resilient bees and hives that remain stable over time.
GENETIC MATERIAL
Bees selected to improve hive performance
F0 queen bees
The genetic core of our lines, intended for breeders and selection programmes.
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Drone lines
Genetic lines selected for crossing programmes and apiary improvement.
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Queen cells
For raising and producing new queens.
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Bee packages
Bee colonies ready to start new hives or strengthen existing ones.
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Genetic consulting
Discover how we can help you improve your apiary.
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The benefits of genetic selection
The genetic lines developed by Tenuta Ritiro deliver tangible benefits for apiary management and colony stability.
Disease resistance
Bees selected to improve the genetic response to varroa, viruses and other diseases, reducing colony losses.
Stable productivity
More balanced, high-performing colonies that maintain a strong harvest capacity over time.
Gentleness and easy handling
Bees that are easier to manage during apiary work, making the job safer and less stressful.
Genetic continuity
Selection programmes and crossing plans that preserve and improve colony traits over time.
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GROW YOUR APIARY
Multi-year genetic improvement consulting
We provide consulting on different aspects of apiary management:
- genetic management of colonies
- multi-year crossing plans
- improvement of genetic lines
- strategies to reduce hive losses
- disease management
Our goal is to share the know-how built through genetic selection, helping beekeepers improve the performance and stability of their hives over time.
Learn more PARTNERSHIP
Building the future of beekeeping together
Tenuta Ritiro works alongside beekeepers, breeders and organisations committed to advancing apiary genetics, in the belief that the future of beekeeping depends on a network of shared expertise and collaboration between professionals.
Franchising programmes
New breeding centres
Training for beekeepers
Genetic selection projects
International collaborations
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