ABSTRACT
Breeding honey bees for specific defi ned characteristics to obtain Varroa mite-tolerant bees appears to be difficult. Instead, it is suggested that the daily rate of mite population growth during optimal mite breeding conditions be used to determine the breeding value for mite tolerance in evaluated colonies. The precision needed to establish mite population growth will determine if samples of adult bees at different occasions will suffice, or if more detailed measurements of the mite population is required. Threshold levels for mite population densities before mite control is required should be adjusted for different geographical regions and foraging conditions.
