>
> >I really think that I can improve  the hygenic behavior in our
> *production* stock and still have big clusters for Cal. and make some decent
> honey crops.


I can vouch, Kirk, that there are some queens whose colonies are completely
mite-proof, and also big enough for almonds, then great honey producers.  My
problem has been how to keep those desirable traits consistently going in my
breeding program.

Last year was fairly easy, as it was a "low mite" year.
This year is a "high mite" year (I haven't any idea what makes certain years
low or high mite in my area), so it is more of a challenge for the bees (and
me).

I very much appreciate your posting of your experiences in breeding for mite
resistance, whether good, bad, or ugly.

Randy Oliver

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