The Department of Homeland Security publishes a daily newsletter, available at http://www.dhs.gov/infrastructuredailyreport. This article appeared in today's issue. August 09, Agricultural Research Service — Russian bees more resistant to mites. The bee has had a rough time of it lately. Parasitic mites are beating down this insect that's crucial for producing more than $15 billion worth of U.S. crops each year. But according to scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), there’s hope for American bees. It comes from the hills of southeast Russia. According to recent studies done at the ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, Russian bees are capable of deflecting three of the honeybee’s worst assailants: varroa mites, tracheal mites and cold temperatures. Ten years ago, ARS bee researchers led by Thomas Rinderer trekked through Russia’s Primorsky Territory in search of bees that could naturally hold their own against varroa mites. There, bees have become battle−hardened against the blood−sucking mite, which has been harassing Russian bees for more than 150 years. Since Russian bees were first imported by Rinderer, they have continued to impress researchers. In fact, ARS entomologist Jose Villa recently discovered just how the bees fend off tracheal mites, which kill honey bees by invading and clogging their airways. Villa and fellow ARS entomologist Lilia De Guzman have also confirmed that Russian bees are excellent cold−weather survivors. Source: http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261 -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---