A generation of bees is defined by the procreation of colonies / queens, not the life of individual worker bees, since they are eusocial. The queen bee lives for 3-4 years, and establishment of new colonies (swarming) can happen around once a year. I would guess 9 generations of bees would probably be 9 years at a minimum.
You are absolutely correct, unless the queen is actively managed by the beekeeper. Commercial beekeepers will have a queen for half that time, and then replace her.
A common symptom of today's society, thinking so short term.
Should we consider these systems are only in place for 10-20 years, are assume their use will grow so we certainly want to make sure we're not evolving less robust bees.
