F0 QUEEN BEES
For genetic selection programmes
Buckfast F0 mother queens are intended for beekeepers who want to start or develop a genetic selection programme in their own breeding work.
Unlike F1 queens, designed primarily for production, F0 queens are the point of origin of a genetic line.
What sets an F1 queen apart from an F0
Their value lies not only in the traits of the individual queen, but above all in her ability to pass those traits on to her offspring.
For this reason an F0 is not simply a reared queen: it is the result of an observation and selection process that takes time, numbers and method.
GENETIC SELECTION PROGRAMME
How F0 mother queens are selected
Tenuta Ritiro’s F0 mother queens are the result of a selection process that demands time, method and a large number of observed colonies. Only those queens that demonstrate genetic stability and consistency in the traits they pass on are ultimately selected as F0 mother queens. For each genetic line many sister queens are reared, forming the starting point for evaluation.
Selection phases
Pre-selection
In this phase we observe the colonies generated by sister queens belonging to the same genetic line. Comparing many specimens makes it possible to identify the most promising candidates.
Selection
The candidate queens are then assessed over time by observing their offspring. This makes it possible to verify which traits are passed on stably to the next generations.
HELP WITH YOUR CHOICE
How to choose the right F0 for your crossing plan
Choosing an F0 queen is a strategic step, because she represents the starting point of your genetic selection journey. For this reason Tenuta Ritiro stands by you from the moment of purchase, helping you identify the line best suited to your apiary and your goals.
CONSULTING 
CONSULTING
What happens when you buy an F0 from us
When you buy an F0 queen from Tenuta Ritiro, you always receive initial set-up support.
We provide guidance on how to use the queen correctly and how to integrate her into your breeding programme.
For those who wish to develop a more structured genetic programme, a dedicated consulting service is also available.
Shipping in 1-2 days across Europe
Queen bees are shipped in protected cages with attendant bees and food, ensuring optimal conditions during transport.
Shipping is planned to ensure:
- safe transport
- queen vitality
- fast delivery across Europe
Queens are shipped by express courier. Shipping time: 1-2 days across Europe.
On-site collection of F0 queens with genetic indices
F0 queens with genetic indices are handed over exclusively at our premises, directly inside the hive. This approach safeguards the queen’s genetic value, preserving her integrity, quality and optimal condition at the moment of handover.
How to introduce a queen bee
Received your queen bee and want to know more?
Enter the code you find on the cage and we’ll tell you the line and crosses