Hello

An interesting note to the cell size controversy is that a varroa
tolerance stock has already been researched, documented and achieved in
the same geographic region where the cell size method for the control of
varroa originated.

In the August 2000 edition of the American Bee Journal, the Report
entitled "Producing Varroa-tolerant Honey Bees form Locally Adapted
Stock: A Recipe" was published. It is the latest in a series of reports
from these authors.

Both the cell size method and this recipe emphasize the need to
selectively use and propagate locally adapted stock shown to be varroa
tolerant through a forced natural selection.

Although much emphasis of the cell size method involves the preparation
and introduction of a smaller foundation, the real economic impact
involves the selection, propagation and maintenance of a varroa tolerant
stock demonstrated to retrogress to the smaller size cell and survive
mite infestation untreated. Colonies that cannot retrogress or survive
are lost.

The Recipe published in the Journal is a proven approach to achieve
varroa tolerance. Other methods of varroa control such as incorporating
varroa tolerant stock, integrated pest management techniques and
equipment modification such as smaller cell size foundation could easily
be incorporated into this recipe.

Everyone could begin with this recipe now.

Best Wishes
Dennis Murrell
(seeing that truely the squeeky wheel gets most of the grease)