Randy> (nothing original--just my assessment of what has actually worked) >The major finding from this test was that colonies with queens selected for the suppression of mite re- production trait possessed a significant level of resistance to mites when they were free-mated to drones at commercial beekeeping locations. Therefore, com- commercially produced queens (mite-resistant queens that are allowed to mate freely) should provide beekeepers with some immediate relief from parasitic mites. Harbo, J. R., & Harris, J. W. (2001). Resistance to Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) when mite-resistant queen honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were free-mated with unselected drones. Journal of Economic Entomology, 94(6), 1319-1323. Question: Is seems like Harbo's work can be considered something that actually works, or is it? If I were to make the investment and fill my apiaries next year with queens from breeders that are following his line, would it make any difference? Bill Hesbach Cheshire CT *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html