From the "Gotland study":

Our results allow us to conclude that the
problems facing the apicultural industry with
mite infestations probably is linked to the apicultural
system, where beekeepers remove the
selective pressure induced from the parasitism
by removing mites through control efforts.
Further experiments must confirm whether selection
experiments as described here can be
used as a basis for further honey bee breeding
programs.

This is an interesting concept, but it has a couple of weak points. First,
queen breeders *are* selecting for bees that do not require chemicals, or
require limited application. Second, if you don't treat and all the bees
die, you have nothing left from which to select.

pb

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