Eric Brown  wrote:

..I wonder what
>the thoughts of others on the list are regarding the desirability of 
queens
>whose hives tend not to develop bad varroa infestations relative to queens
>whose hives survive bad varroa infestations.  What do you all look for and
>what trait carries more weight?

Hi Eric,

I have never selected queens based on varroa levels or the ability to 
survive bad varroa levels,  I do however select them based on over all 
performance.  The overall performance is a reflection of a colonies 
health, regardless of the varroa levels, and this approach is working  
very well for me.

Here’s an interesting article by Steve Sheppard related to your question:

‘Selection and possibilities within honey bees – be careful what you are 
selecting for‘.
http://www.beeculture.com/storycms/index.cfm?cat=Story&recordID=480

Best Wishes,

Joe Waggle
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/FeralBeeProject/

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