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Subject:
Re: Minimum number of queen mothers for breeding queens
From:
Geoff Manning <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 4 Dec 2018 08:34:33 +1100
Content-Type:
text/plain
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text/plain (19 lines) 
> I have a question about queen breeding - not the specifics of the
> mechanics. ;)  I am wondering what the theoretical minimum number of queen
> lines you would need to have an apiary be self-sufficient without
> resulting in inbreeding.

Kangaroo Island off South Australia is effectually a closed breeding system,
both managed and feral.  They regard themselves, the humans that is, as
being the custodians of the only pure Ligurians in the world now.  

Some years ago George Woyke looked at them and decided IIRC that there was
just enough variation at 12 lines to remain viable.

Geoff Manning

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