Several breeding projects have addressed the question.
 
I've been closely involved with a project to select and develop a stock of bees
resistant to tracheal mites, since 1989. Our observations support Page and
Gary's studies, of the relative susceptibility of worker bees from different
queens, placed simultaneously in an infested colony. Also,the population trend
of tr mites in different colonies, indicates there is substantial "resistance"
to the mites in the existing bee population in N America. But there is also
stock that is very susceptible.
 
I'd say the principle is valid. The commercial supply?
I suppose it is possible that simply removing the most (quarter? half?)
suceptible colonies from a "base" north American honey bee stock, could give
adequate "lack of susceptibility" in the remaining stock, for some climates.
I don't have any experience with the stock you mentioned. Perhaps the
distributor can give you evidence. There were some reports in ABJ, from Steve
Taber a few years ago, when he was personally involved in the operation.
 
good luck
 
We have selected over four generations, and are doing a year's comparison with
Buckfast stock and stocks with good commercial performance, starting in June.
Our co-operators are aiming at limited scale distribution in 1994, and in 1995
as the market requires.
 
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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