>If one goes to the trouble to introduce this trait into their operation shouldn't they also continue to develop it? I see it as a leg up tool to get from point A to ever changing. Absolutely, but as Bob says, it's not as easy as it sounds. > > >Would there be some difficulties in tweaking this trait out further once > introduced into ones own Apiary? There's the rub! Yes, some difficulties... But I definitely see progress as I apply selection in my open-mated operation. My strategy is to keep my bees healthy, but to apply strong selective pressure each spring as I select my breeding stock. Randy Oliver *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm