Fair enough.   The definition of quality is subjective.  In this case,
quality could be defined as the ability to survive a cold, agricultural
zone 5 (or cooler) winter, without treatment with low mite counts.

By that definition, the above referenced work appears to indicate that
varroa tolerance may be higher in the locally bred, overwintered Russian
queens from Vermont (Kirk Webster), and from the New York feral queens.

From my understanding, there's successful TF programs which have used the
Webster Russians, even in warmer climates.

If only I could get my hands on these (IMO) superior queens, I'd love to
know some local sources in the Northeast.

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