Several drive-by observations:

1.) finding bees that can withstand varroa, etc. is probably not that hard
to do.  The difficulty comes from finding bees that can do that,and which
also have all the other desirable characteristics necessary for commercial
success.

2.) small samples of random feral colonies may seem to reveal patterns,
however, it is harder to prove that these patterns are meaningful and
demonstrate real, enduring properties, especially as they are hard to
monitor over years.

3.) it is not necessary to have correct explanations -- or even correct
understanding -- in order to demonstrate or manage processes that work.

allen

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