Bill Truesdell wrote,
>
> This all seem to lead back to Allen's comments about which bee are we
> looking at. If it is AHB, then foundation size probably has nothing to do
> with Varroa control.

Researchers look for complex answers first. Beekeepers look for simple
answers first. In the simple you look for the obvious differences and
say are they the cause of the observations you are seeing. Many of my
posts are never posted so its hard to present a case with posts missing
and i never know which posts are not going on line. People i email
direct get a better picture of my theorys. Back to Allens comments:
The obvious differences  when looking at AHB and our European bees are
in MY OPINION the fact Ahb makes the 4.9mm foundation and normally nests
are not of the numbers our commercial hives keep with the amount of
forced spring brood rearing we cause by spring feeding. Most researchers
agree varroa is most destructive in hives raising large amounts of
brood. Last spring i had hives i fed 4 gallons of syrup to raising brood
for me. In experiments i have tried feeding untreated hives and had to
destroy them in two months as even chemicals wouldn't have saved those
with the high varroa infestations. I have found there is a level of
infestation where treatment is a waste of time and money. My statement
is backed up by the research of Marion Ellis (researcher from Nebraska)
and teacher of the Nebraska master beekeeping course.I expect to test
the 4.9mm foundation with hives rearing huge amounts of brood and not
hives not being fed and on minor flows.


> But if grooming is not present, then it might be cell size, but it could
> also be a host of other variables.

My friend H.Bell and i both set up observation hives with varroa and
observed the bees. I suggest all beekeepers interested in varroa do the
same. I have done many such observation  colonies and believe all though
grooming takes place it will never be the total answer. My opinion but
also my observation. Of the three choices you give i think you are
looking deeply at the problem.
1.grooming
2.cell size
3.host of other variables
I enjoyed the post and think you understand this complex unprovable
problem at this time. Maybe before long we will be able to cross a
couple of the above off the list. Maybe not and the debate will rage on!
Sincerely,
Bob Harrison

>