> I have used apistan last spring on my first 25 colonies, this year 120
> colonies with no apistan use just FGMO for protection. I plan on doubling
> every year after, so if I succeed with out apistan that alone should be
> proof that FGMO works.
 
What needs to be said here is whether you have been able to detect any
varroa mites in your colonies, by what methods and at what level before
you start the MO treatment.
 
We would all dearly love to hear the results, but without knowing the
beginning conditions, we will still not have the facts we need to
establish "proof that FGMO works".
 
Also it would be very wise to do sampling at intervals to ensure that your
treatment is working since varroa can build up without causing any obvious
symptoms to the point where your colonies just suddenly collapse.
 
If you are brave and rich and objective, you may want to have a few
'controls' -- colonies that are not treated at all and/or colonies that
receive Apistan so that you have something to use for reference when you
are ready to come to conclusions.
 
The problem with controls is that if they are in the same yard, then they
can be a constant source of re-infestation, and for that matter, they can
be re-infested *themselves* if it turns out they are near colonies that
have a breakdown.  If they are not in the same yard, then it could be (and
will be) argued that the difference in location not the treatments is at
least partially responsible for observed differences, not the treatments.
 
Designing meaningful scientific experiments is difficult.  If you'd like,
why not describe in detail *exactly* what you plan to do, and take
suggestions on how to make your experiment most meaningful.  We have some
pretty high powered scientific talent here chomping at the bit for a
chance to prove or disprove MO as a varroa treatment.  I'm sure they will
be very helpful.  We'll all learn a bit about science and collaboration in
the process.
 
Allen
 
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