Marla Spivak and her team have been investigating the beneficial contributions of propolis for a few years now. She has compelling evidence that an envelope of propolis with its antimicrobial properties contributes to overall hive health.They have identified specific tree sources that are better than others. She even recommends that wooden ware manufactures make a line with rough cut interiors to more closely mimic the interior of a tree cavity. I'm sure Pete can find a link to her work. Also a new line of Caucasian bees being bred at WSU by Steve Shepard and Sue Cobey are said to be notorious propolizers and that is thought to be a good thing.
Paul Hosticka
Dayton WA
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