>Sure we have certain lines which are steps in the right direction but none
of those lines ( I have observed most if not all) resemble the hives of the
before varroa days without treatment.

I agree, Bob.  It is now the occassional exceptional colony that matches the
norm for yesteryear.  And as optimistic as I am, it's frustratingly
difficult to attempt to reproduce that colony through breeding.

> With aggressive treatments and supplemental feeds those bees can come
close but in my opinion mites sap the strength of a hive of bees.

Well put!  "Sap the strength."

Randy Oliver

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