HYBRIDS - ANY EXPERIENCE

[fiveson]

I am going to requeen. I dont know whether to try the Russian/Carnolian hybrid - pure Russian or just go for Italian. I currenlty lhave Carnolian (1 season) and really like them - but I want to try these new reputed varroa resistant strains.... anyone have any experience or insight beyond what I can read generally (that the hybrid is a tad meaner than the prure Carnolian - whatever that means).?

Rob

[Finman]

I found clear report from Russians . It is not varroa resistant. Varroa level is something 50% - 30% that of other races. However you must control mites.  See specially it's desire to change queen and after with hybrid that varroa resistency is lowered.

http://www.honeycouncil.ca/users/folder.asp?FolderID=2294

PS Rob. You have terrific face!

[Anonymous]

I have one hive that is Carnolians which seem to be as gentile as 3 of my hives of Italian, but the 4th hive of Italian are some nasty mean devils. Of course I do think I have 5 hives of mixed breeds with 3 having Italian traits and one with Carnolian trates then that one that has the traits of AHB's     .
  I read about the so called Russians being resistante at $100.00 a pop.   Then you go on to read the real paper work on them and find you have to do requeening every year for about 5 years to get the resistance ones.
Me I would just go with the Italians for a few more years. After all we have been dealing with the mites for some time now what is a couple more years to see if it is just hype or the real McCoy.
  Al

[Jay]

At $100 a pop, I'm with you Al!!!

[Robo]

Stick with the carnolians,  they are a gentle breed and you will be better off in the long run.  Hybrids tend to get nasty unless you replace them on a regular basis and that can get costly.  I think there is some promise in a mite resistant bee,  however I don't think the process has matured to a point where it is worth while for a hobbyist.  Just my 2 cents.

Unless you keep a very close eye on your hive, AND know the signs to look for, you would be playing russian roulette (no pun intended) with your hive. Mites can infest a hive rather quickly and sometimes it is too late to treat by the time you figure it out.

[fiveson]

Ill stick with my Carnolians. I like the results and they are really gentle.

Rob