HOW THE PRESENCE OF SURVIVING FERAL HONEY BEE COLONIES MAY IMPACT
EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AND/OR MAINTAIN VARROA-TOLERANT HONEY BEES
In November of 2000 the Varroa infestation levels in managed colonies
selected for Varroa-tolerance in Southern Arizona were compared with
the infestation levels in the feral population. Feral colony
infestation levels, averaged over Žve years, were 1.8 (range = 1.2 to
3.0) times higher than those in the selected stock. These results
suggest that selected Varroa-tolerant stock anywhere can be
compromised by feral colonies living within mating žight range. These
Žndings emphasize the need for better mating control for
Varroa-tolerant stock using isolation to prevent program queens from
mating with drones from either un-selected or feral colonies.
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