>So, would a proper evaluation process be periodic testing of the colonies
by using the alcohol wash?
Any comparative evaluation method can be used. Even natural mite drop if
monitored over time.
> One thing I hate about that is the killing of bees.
One colony dead from varroa = 50,000 bees killed. At 300 bees per alcohol
wash, you'd have to do 166 washes to kill the same amount of bees.
>Any suggestions on how to proceed to do this would be appreciated.
>
Start with hives all with approx same mite levels, size, and strength.
Check at a later time for honey production, and mark those with the best
production. From that group, breed from those with the lowest levels of
mites. Repeat yearly.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
***********************************************
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