Greetings all
 
As there have now been a number of messages along this thread, I
thought I had better add my two cents.
 
Cape bees (Apis mellifera capensis) have been used for scientific
research in Europe for about two decades. Aspects of capensis biology
is currently being investigated in at least three European countries
and at least five institutions.
 
Data has previously been published to indicate that capensis workers
do sometimes drift into European colonies where they cause problems
and occasionally colony loss - but this situation seems to pose no
threat as the Cape workers all seem to die during winter.
 
Some opinions:
 
(1) After such a long time I don't believe capensis in Europe
constitutes a serious risk.
 
(2) Nonetheless, perhaps research on Cape honeybees (which could be
of advantage to beekeeping in Europe) is best carried out in the
Cape.
 
Some observations:
 
(1) Murray McGregor's comment on capensis in Britain in the 1920's is
interesting. I had not heard of this, but it is entirely possible. If
anyone knows more details about this, please let me know.
 
(2) The three beekeepers mentioned by Martin Braunstein (Dirk de
Klerk, Brett Falconer & Theunis Engelbrecht) are all still very much
involved in commercial beekeeping in South Africa, the capensis
problem notwithstanding.
 
regards
 
Mike Allsopp
Stellenbosch, South Africa
 
 
 
Mike Allsopp                            tel    (27)(21) 887-4690
Honeybee Research Section               fax    (27)(21) 883-3285
Plant Protection Research Institute     pmail  plant3/vredma
Agricultural Research Council           email  [log in to unmask]
P/Bag X5017
Stellenbosch 7599
South Africa