Hi Everyone, I am Robert Rice and am a PhD student working at the CSIRO Division of Entomology in Canberra, Australia. My research topic is the molecular taxonomy of Nosema apis. Actually I am trying to determine if there are virulent and avirulent strains of Nosema apis and if so, to identify markers for these strains. This interest in Nosema was acquired after a number of years trying to control the parasite in mating colonies while Queen Bee breeding /rearing in Beaudesert, Queensland,Australia. This project, being molecular in nature, requires comparitive DNA sequence studies of unrelated Nosema apis isolates from geographically isolated areas. Is there anyone able to provide Nosema apis spores or DNA too assist in this research project and in doing so provide a wider sample size. Thankyou in advance, Robert Rice CSIRO Division of Entomology Clunies-Ross Street, Canberra,2601 Australian Capital Territory, Australia. email: [log in to unmask]