Bob wrote:
>1. Order a SMR open mated queen and requeen and get varroa control in eight weeks. OR 2. convert all hives to 4.9mm. foundation in two downsizes.

A few years back (has it been so long?) I wrote to Dr. Erickson, since he seemed to be the only researcher looking into small cells as a varroa control measure. He said the following:

>We conducted our first trial with cell size and Varroa in 1993-1996. The results must be considered preliminary, but showed pronounced trends favoring smaller cell size. ... This study demonstrated to us that there appeared to be greater differences due to genetics than cell size so our work turned to looking at Varroa-tolerance.

His most recent work in the American Bee Journal (Aug. 2000) focused on the ways that beekeepers can select for resistance in their won stock.  For those who don't have the time or inclination to raise queens, purchasing resistant stock seems like a very favorable option.

PB