-Chris Slade wrote:
There seems to be a genetic component in the propensity to collect propolis.
I have one hive in an apiary of 5 that is collecting far more than all the
rest put together with no apparent reason.

There certainly seems to be a correlation between races in collecting
propolis.  A.m. scutalata is one such race that will collect plenty. Any
opening in a hive will be either reduced in size or totally sealed off with
propolis. Open bottom boards with a fine mesh such as used in Europe are
very quickly closed up.  It has also been noticed that before rain the bees
are more intent in collecting propolis than other forage.  By the amount of
activity in bringing in propolis we can more or less gauge whether the rain
is going to last for more than our average half hour thunderstorm.

Eddy Lear
South Africa