"allen dick" responded:
> Unless we are committed and capable breeders, failure to control varroa
> levels will not do us -- or anyone -- any good.
Agreed, but we need to explain what we mean by 'control varroa levels' - are
we talking about attempting total annihilation (the Apistan approach) or
keep to a level where most colonies survive but are exposed to a moderate
level of varroa and the associated viruses.
I believe that there are two approaches to selection. The first - and most
difficult for small-scale beekeepers with limited resources - is selection
and breeding from the best. The second - and easily practised by everyone -
is to cull the worst. Just imagine the progress that would be made if all
beekeepers took the second route.
Peter Edwards
[log in to unmask]
www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/
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