Peter said:
I would suggest actual health of colonies over time as the basis for 
selection, rather than some sort of 
litmus test. In a nutshell, using survivor stock. Regarding the 
performance of survivors, bear in mind 
that if survival is the key trait you are looking for, then per colony 
honey production may take lower 
priority. 


Comments:

This is true. In my previous breeding program in Ontario. Hygienic was the 
last test to perform in preselected stock. Beekeepers will select colonies 
based on:
1. honey production
2. winter-ability " This is in Canada, eh!).
3. TM resistance test
4. Hygienic test.

Colonies will be scored and then ranked to pick up the best performing 
colonies. We also watch to make sure that there is enough gene diversity 
in the selected stock. This goes back to the close population breeding 
program principles. Each subfamily of the founding stock should be 
represented in each generation to reduce inbreeding effect.

If there is no honey no money.

Medhat 

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