George Imirie, In your post you stated a problem with interracial breeding of an Italian and Carniolan cross. Please expand on what problems could happen with this cross. I have been reaing queens for myself for 4 years and selling some to selected beekeepers in the local organization. I keep getting more and more demands for the queens, which are Carniolans. Even though I use drone foundation and set up drone mother colonies, I realize that open mating allows the Carnioln queen access to a larger population of Italian drones in the congration area. Most beekeepers within a 1-mile radius use Italians. Will this cross create unfavorable traits within the hives. I have not seen anything, so far that appears to be inadequite; but, I want to try to head off any future probles. Frank Wyatt Eden, NC :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::