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Date: | Sun, 2 Aug 2020 15:44:17 -0400 |
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> My point is that if you want colonies that grow big and productive without
swarming, you as a beekeeper may need to intervene.
Exactly the point.
I don't think we're knowledgeable enough about the genetics of any species to attempt to manipulate a reproductive instinct. Also, genetics may only play a partial role in the initiation of swarming. The factors that contribute to swarming are likely intricately tied to any number of other environmental conditions, both in and out of the hive, some of which may even be escaping our current awareness. But, as Randy points out, our lack of knowledge can be compensated for by certain manipulations that manage the process.
Attempts at selective breeding against swarming go back over 80 years, at least, and it's interesting to read how similar those discussions are to this discussion and the many others I've heard. Demuth's 1921 USDA Farmers Bulletin 1198 goes into detail and references early breeding attempts that basically were inconclusive.
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86037/
Bill Hesbach
Cheshire CT
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