Jim:
Long story short, the number of mites per 100 cells was
found to be higher in "small cell" colonies than in
controls.  The results were statistically significant, and
are "in press" for journal publication.  Mites per 100
cells is a very good way to measurethe mite/bee ratio
independent of the specific population of each
hive.

Reply:
At broodnest turnover this is the way it is supposed to be,
especially the first year or so, for broodnest cleansing to
get hive back into balance, for the smaller the cell, the
faster the turnaround has been seen for varroa control.
This has been discussed in depth many times over on the
OrganicBeekeepers list fwiw, so nothing new here so far.
Also, it should still be in the archives of the old biobee
list also, and in original postings at the forum on
beesource.com, besides here in archives on BEE-L from past
discussions for needing to see this action the first year,
especially going into first winter. So good this is being
seen for shortness of testing done so far.

continuing:
So as to avoid inciting a riot, it is important to note
that that these findings merely invalidate the EXPLANATION
of the mechanism claimed to limit varroa populations in
small-cell colonies. 

Reply:
Not really, it's just one person's opinion of the situation
being seen, without further followup to see where things
progress in the future over 2-3 year or more. When all
factors in a wholebee scenario are looked at together, as a
whole picture as to what is happening, rather then sound
bites, rational then changes as experience is gained in
working, especially with new ways of doing, of which SC
definitely is compared to LC, for the parameters of
relationship with Nature change dramatically. Will be
interesting to see whether this invalidation of explanation
is still believed in 2-3-4 years down the road as more
experience is gained. Also will be interesting to see how
many beekeepers are left also, waiting for the results!

Sincerely,

Dee A. Lusby

  





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