This is a topic that could have tremendous importance (re. pollination) as the
"varroa resistance to miticides" story unfolds. I'd like to hear of any
experiences with the "Yugo" or other potentially resistant bee stock.
    In B.C. this year, we monitored the first year (or so) of varroa population
buildup, and did trials to develop recommendations for control. In measuring the
varroa populations, it seemed that some colonies consistently produced many more
mites , than others (even after mite levels were reduced by treatment). There
are a lot of possible factors that influence the mites/bees, and 2 colonies with
an uncertain past are not much to start from, even though there may be a large
difference in mite numbers.
 
Some of the proposed mechanisms of resistance to varroa seem difficult to easily
measure (juvenile hormone titer, post-capping period). However, the
grooming/removal of mites could be a major mechanism, and one that might be
easily compared between colonies (proportion of mites with damage). Are any of
you working on something like that?
 
 
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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