Hello All
 
I read recently in one of the Irish Beekeeping magazines as follows:
 
>Outdoor testing has begun at the USDA-ARS Honeybee Breeding Genetics and
Physiology Laboratory at Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA, to establish if Russian
honeybees can resist Varroa and other tracheal mites.
>
>These Russian bees, imported into the USA last July evolved in a
mite-infested region in far eastern Russia. If they do prove resistant,
scientists could arrange to distribute hybrids - offspring of Russian Queens
and American drones (my question - why not American Queens and Russian
drones?) - to beekeepers.
>
>The scientists' outdoor tests will also measure the Russian bees' honey
production and other valuable traits.'
>
I was wondering if any list members can say if the above is correct, and if
there is any further information available on it.
 
Sincerely
 
Tom Barrett
49 South Park
Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
 
e mail [log in to unmask]
Tel + 353 1 289 5269
Fax + 353 1 289 9940
 
Latitude  53 Degrees 16' North
Longitude  6 Degrees  9' West of Greenwich