Responding more or less to Dave Cushman's thoughts about the value of
genetic diversity, it occurs to me that the main benefit diversity is that
it provides the greatest possibility for resistance to threats to a specie's
well being to emerge from the gene pool.  Of course from the beekeeper's
point of view, this is only of value if the freedom to choose, or should I
say "select", those genes exists.  There seems to be a Catch 22 here, is
there not?  In selecting those genes which are most beneficial to us, we
move in the direction of lesser genetic diversity.  In other areas of animal
husbandry I understand this is becoming a serious concern as breeds are
disappearing rapidly.
     Perhaps the solution to this, and I am sure this has been thought of,
is to establish subsidized gene banks around the world, and to make the
"genetic information" (Allen Dick), available to all those counties, states,
provinces etc.  who contribute to their support.  This, of course would not
preclude establishment of more rational approaches to import and export of
bees in general.
                 My first posting,
                 Steve Noble
                 Beginning beekeeper
                 Whidbey Island,  Wa.

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