> Dr. Eischen did not think feeding pollen supp and of course mass 
> quantities of syrup did not increase varroa levels in his test hives?  I 
> am not a big fan of his (which he knows) but common sense says when you 
> start raising brood rearing to peak levels you also raise varroa breeding 
> to peak levels. I am  surprised the USDA-ARS would waste their time with 
> such testing. With all due respect to Dr. Eischen I would repeat the 
> experiment.

Repeating studies is routine science.  So is testing ideas that seem to be, 
"common sense".  Oftentimes, common sense proves to provide an incomplete or 
even incorrect understanding of things.  Personally, I am glad to hear that 
he is checking this out, since feeding is so important for much of 
commercial beekeeping, and knowing the effect on varroa  populations is 
critical.

> Dr. Eischen  calls me a affectionately "a pot stirrer".

Maybe to your face.  I doubt he would gossip publically about what you 
discussed in private or bandy your name around.  I find all the scientists 
with whom I speak to be very discreet and careful about what they say and 
whose name they use.

 

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