> But how might this insight relate to diagnostic significance, relative to individual colony death, especially in winter?

Hi all
This is the first time I have really thought about the potential impact of mycotoxins on bee immunity. It was prompted by the discussion of old pollen substitute, which could very well contain harmful substances. Its value would certainly would pale in comparison to fresh pollen, but in my opinion, no pollen substitute compares favorably with real pollen, which is alive. The further you get from a diet of fresh pollen, the less valuable the food source is. 

I first became aware of aflatoxins back in the 1980s when I was selling fresh bee pollen. I worried about it a lot, because it they develop quickly in bee collected pollen if it isn't handled and stored properly. Then, I heard about it being a problem with almonds and later associated with peanuts. But this is the first I saw it connected with honey bee health. I am not saying it is something we should be worried about, but it's potentially a major factor that has been overlooked.

PLB

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