Hi to all on BEE-L

This is to let you know that advanced samples of Plastic
4.9mm foundation
have been now sent to those concerned for field trials.

Climates chosen for this are vast to see if the foundation
will be accepted
by honeybees  prior to sales starting.

This is a very straight forward testing.

 Areas choosen where:

1) Alaska, 2) Eugene, Oregon, 3) Alberta, Canada, 4)
Mountains near Casper,
Wyoming 5) Great Lakes area near Chicago, 6) Prarie plains
of Illinois, 6)
Sonoran Desert of S. Arizona, 7) Orlando, Fla., 8) Great
Britian- UK, 9)
Sweden

So everyone knows what is going on. Here is a copy of the
email sent to
participants.

You will be advised as information is forthcoming. Those
commercial/hobbysts
participating are doing this for industry, along with the
overseas
manufacturer, and Dadants.

------------------------
Hi all

This is to let you know that all on this email have been
sent advanced first
run samples of Plastic 4.9mm Top tolerance foundation for
looking at and
trials if possible.

Questions will need answering before it can be sold to
industry. The answers
you find and questions you have will be forwarded to both
Jerry Hayes at
Dadant and the manufacturing company overseas for review.

Also as I have told a few of you already, do not be afraid
to comment on
various discussion groups how things are progressing,
especially if favorable.

This is a very straight forward testing prior to sales and
inclusion into the
Dadant 2003 Catalog for industry to be sold opposite their
already now
selling excellent 4.9mm wax foundation.

Questions that need answering are:

1. Will the bees draw it out as is? If not why not?

Already Jerry Hayes has inquired about the release coating
used and special
plastic used in it's manufacture. We need to know ahead of
time there is no
threat to the bees. So hence, will the bees draw out the
plastic foundation.

2. Once drawn out then we need to know will the queens lay
in the foundation?

3. Once queens are laying in the foundation will the eggs
hatch?

4. Once hatching will  the pupae develop normally?

5. Will the bees also store pollen and honey stores in
foundation being drawn?

6. Will the bees also with greater division of labor and
plastic 4.9 as a
help be able to keep small hive beetles under control?

 Please note that this specific question is being placed
into the hands of
Michael Housel for research down in Florida in Orlando
where small hive
beetles are at their worst.

Please note that varroa/trachael mites and secondary
diseases were not
mentioned above as that is already considered proven with
prior 4.9mm wax
foundation already in industry hands.

We are just rying to find out whether the bees will draw
the Plastic as
designed and use it properly within a beehive prior to sale
to industry.

Any problems need to be noted and eliminated now.

If you need to wash the sheets to get them to draw it note
this fact!  It
could be the release agent or the type plastic used!

If you need to coat with syrup or honey or light wax to get
them to draw it
note this also. but then this is already normal practice
for those beekeepers
purchasing plain Plastic uncoated sheets right now with
various types on the
market.

Once the Dadants and the overseas manufacturers know that
the bees will
accept the Plastic 4.9mm foundation then orders can be
taken by Dadant for
sales. Hopefully with time left for limited sales still
this active year.

Regards,

Dee A. Lusby



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