An enhanced-line honeybee stock developed by University of California, Davis bee breeder-geneticist Susan Colby, that crosses her bee line “New World Carniolans” with “Old World” Carniolans from Germany, shows genetic promise in aiding the troubled bee industry, research reveals.

“I'm really pleased with the stock,” said Colby, project leader of a honeybee stock improvement grant, funded by the California State Beekeepers Association and the California Almond Board.  “The bees are very gentle, very hygienic and very productive, and hopefully will confer increased resistance to pests and disease.”

California Secretary of Agriculture A. G. Kawamura admired the stock during the  State Apiary Board meeting October 3 at the Harry H. Little Jr. honeybee research facility on the UC Davis campus.

Holding a frame of bees, Kawamura correctly singled out the queen and praised the bees' elegance and gentle temperament.  In his youth, he reared honeybees for several years, tending the hives and selling the honey.
The gentleness of her bees did not escape the State Apiary Board, led by newly elected chair Jackie Park-Burris of Palo Cedro, who also serves as president of the California State Beekeepers Association.  They toured Cobey's colonies without protective bee suits, as did Kawamura.

“Sue's bees are polite,” said beekeeper Steve Godlin of the Visalia, vice chair of the California State apiary board