Thank for posting the presentation, Peter. Reading the presentation made me realize that wasn't the presentation I was remembering. I looked through my notes for realz this time and it was Mike Simone-Finstrom, USDA ARS, I saw present on this topic at the Integrated Pest Management Workshop in Edmonton in February. 

This is based on my notes, so don't presume I know anything more about the topic. Also don't assume my notes are correct! He blasted us with a bunch of graphs and numbers, this was my take home:

-He looked at the effect of different doses of irradiation on viral activity and infectivity. 
-With irradiation, he found: 
	-Chalkbrood was completely inactivated
	-BQCV- irradiation reduced its replication but it could still kill larvae/pupae afterwards
	-DWV- completely inactivated
	-CBPV- no effect: none on replication nor mortality
	-Nosema ceranae- spores could not germinate after irradiation

Based on that I believe he concluded irradiation was effective against Chalkbrood, DWV, and N. ceranae. 

Based on Megan Colwell's presentation, it appears DWV may become inactive on equipment within a relatively short time span. 

Perhaps one can then conclude irradiation is useful for chalkbrood, Nosema, and DWV, but if DWV is the sole reason one is considering irradiating it might be equally effective to just rest the comb for a while? 

Tracey

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