> I just love it when Bee-L turns to issues where folk exchange experiences
> and learn together.  The mix of expertise and experience here, and the
> willingness to be open, is what makes this list great.

I agree!

Now I am going to go into a realm I can not give the researchers
name but I will give his advice. Some will recognize the advice . Because of
label issues I think its best to let only me take the heat.

Current advice is too treat for N. ceranae every three months. His research
has shown even with label fumidil treatment N. ceranae levels are at high
enough levels after three months to need a treatment.

Drenching two cups four times at weekly intervals is recommended.


My comments:
many outfits are having troubles with N. ceranae. When asked I answer  they
should have seen the problem coming.

N. ceranae being widespread came out in the first CCD research ( 2006/2007). 
Their
nosema problem most likely came from almond pollination last year ( or the
year before) as too soon for this year( based on the Spain research
information).

Many of those having troubles fed fumidil last Sept. (at the spring dose
rate). By doing treatment early they cut their fall fumidil expense in half
and did work to a degree with nosema apis but has not worked for n. ceranae.
When going to California, Texas or Florida to winter it was common practice
for those beeks to dose at the spring rate.

Myself I use the winter rate for hives wintered in Missouri. I have used the
spring rate for hives sent to winter in a warm area.

I have went out on a limb and shared. Hope this helps. Most likely someone
reading this post will think their bees are doing great and then watch hives
start crashing. Get a sample and send off. If N. ceranae. then I would
treat.

Breeding for survivors is a good idea but most commercial beeks buy queens,
packages or cells. Breeding for survivors is best left to those which are
experts in the field. When they get a survivor line I will be the first to
use.

Right now N. ceranae is kicking some beeks butts but gradually the industry
will survive N. ceranae.  Working out a way to treat for N. ceranae when
needed is going to be a problem for certain areas. Drenching buys time and 
can save some hives but not all.

Drenching may be the only way to keep levels low enough to provide 
pollination or produce
a honey crop before time to treat again.

Drenching gets the antibiotic directly into the bees by the bees licking the
syrup off. I have said the above to hopefully help a few beeks in trouble.
Jerry and others have to be careful what they say. I am not bound by those 
rules and those in my circle  know I only provide advice after careful 
thought.

bob

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