Dee Writes:
...We now reverse the situation and go back down in
> size, which is what regression is..... what will
show in say 10
> or even 100 years...

Generally, the ferals in my area in certian locations
will be of smaller cell sizes and are already adapted
and fit in surviving in the wild without the aid of
man.  What I am focusing on in my small cell program
is to try and utilize this existing feral population
as best I can to speed up regression, acclimatization
and colony fitness.

I try and do this by collecting ferals and placing
them in a poor location where the good performers are
then very easy to select out of the bunch.  Ferals
caught also get a grade as to what degree of domestic
influence I believe they have (this derived as best I
can from the location and other investigative
techniques).  I may weed out my swarms and ferals
caught by 50% by years end, then these ferals are
wintered in singles to select for desired wintering
traits etc. when I may further weed out if needed,
only then are they integrated into my operation.   I
try and use beekeeping techniques that so as to
promote competitive matings with the ferals and other
fit genetics as best I can.  No grafting, artificial
stimuli or drone colonies will ever be considered
here.

I believe this has helped me a great deal in promoting
fit genetics and stabilization on small cell with my
bees.  The progress I am showing in only a few years
of keeping ferals on small cell is encouraging and
IMO, applies powerful selective pressure in matings in
areas where there is an abundant feral ppulation.



Joe Waggle ~ Derry, PA
Small Cell Beekeeping
‘Bees Gone Wild Apiaries'
http://www.biologicalbeekeeping.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Organicbeekeepers/



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