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Sat, 8 Oct 1994 21:46:49 GMT |
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In message <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]
buffalo.edu writes:
> Do the tracheal and varolla mites affect the invading african bees
> in the same way they affect our domesticated and feral honey bees?
> Mick Youther<[log in to unmask]>
My limited knowledge here suggests that all the Apis Mellifera
subspecies will be affected much the same because their body structures,
life cycles and so on are all pretty much the same.
As far as I am aware there are only a very few Apis Mellifera colonies
in the world that are showing any resistance at all to Varroa and I
haven't heard of any particular advantage (or disadvantage) that the
Africanised varieties might have.
I believe that the main resistance factor for tracheal mites is
essentially mechanical because the mites can only infest a bee during
the first few days of its life when its tracheal hairs are still
pliable. I am led to understand that bees whose tracheal hairs are
stiffer at emergence, or stiffen up more quickly after emergence, are
more resistant simply because the mites can't get in.
Anyone have any further info?
--
Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] 100332,3310 on CompuServe
Newsletter [log in to unmask] ditto
Beekeeper, Kendo Sandan, sometime sailor.
Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 5HP, UK
He is truly wise who gains wisdom from another's mishap.
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