Hello All,
Thanks to Jack for setting the record straight.  Varroa tolerant bees are in
the future as our researchers all say.  They just didn't say WHEN.  One
noted researcher predicted (his opinion) 25 years.   As for my own yard of
survivor hives.  All were dead this spring.   They had plenty of honey.
None that they had made on their own but I provided.   The winter before all
survivor hives died.
I personally can't spend the time on the project Jack does.   I wish I
could. Joining HIP might be a excellent program a bee club.   Set aside a
few hives and the whole group moniter and care for the survivor hives.   My
biggest problem has been getting survivor colonies to overwinter in
Missouri.   Most  of my survivor hives would be alive today had I treated
the survivors with chemicals like the rest of the yards.   I had one survive
three years ago only to die in late spring.   My survivor colonies never
build up and produce honey let alone produce enough for a sucessful
overwinter.
Good luck to Jack and his program.  I do believe we will one day see a
varroa tolerant bee. Hopefully sooner than later.
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Odessa, Missouri