> I was referring to a non-migratory system, but I see no reason that a bee 
> strain could not be developed that could cope with migratory conditions, 
> better than a locally adapted strain,

You are correct, and what you speculate is reality.

There are bees who are bred to withstand constant moving and varying 
environments, crowded yards, etc.

To some extent this result has come about naturally by intentionally 
breeding from the best survivors of such treatment, and to some extent other 
deliberate selection.

>  ... I suspect  that its characters would not be particularly of economic 
> benefit

As for how they perform, my understanding is that they are at least average 
at least in non-migratory situations, and their performance in migratory 
conditions is (of course) better by far than bees which cannot survive such 
usage.

> as they may be smaller colonies and not so industrious.

Actually, that is not my understanding.  Bees for pollination have to be 
strong early.

Where is Bob?  We have been touching on topics he works with daily.

allen
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/
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