I hope the address is correct this time. Rivka
 
 
 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 2 May 1993 16:27:24 +0300 (IDT)
From: nokrian rivka <[log in to unmask]>
To: Bee-Line <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: UV transfer - polyethylene
 
Hey there bee-liners,
I'm working on muskmelon pollination in greenhouses in Israel.
These greenhouses are tunnel like - length ca. 120 m. and width 5 m.
The area is in the Arava valley, extreme desert conditions, the time of
year discussed is winter (jan-feb). Hives with honeybees are brought from
the northern part of the country (4-5 hours drive).
The greenhouses are covered with polyethylene which contains UVA, a substance
which is supposed to block the UV radiation. Bees seem to be disoriented
in the frame - many times bumping against the walls of polyethylene and die.
Does any of you know of any effects of UVA inside polyethylene, on
honeybee activity inside greenhouses? I read the articles by Spangler and
Moffett, but they worked in different sized greenhouses.
I'm not sure if the problem the bees have is due to the size (or width) or
to the blocking of UV radiation. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Many thanks, Rivka Nokrian
             E-mail: [log in to unmask]
          Address:   Department of Botany, The G.S. Wise Faculty of Life
                     Sciences, Tel-Aviv University,
                     Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv, ISRAEL.