Hello All,

I hope we can finally put the issue of FGMO fogging for varroa control to
rest.

FGMO for varroa control caught my eye early on ( middle 90's) as was cheap
and easy. I reported on BEE-L about the S.A.R.E. grant received in Missouri
to test FGMO for varroa control in 1998 years ago.

FGMO fogging was a complete failure in the 1998 Missouri testing as were the
results of the Westlaco testing just reported in the December  issue of ABJ.

A copy of the Missouri testing of FGMO can be had by calling (573)522-8616
or (573)751-5505 Missouri Dept. of ag.
Sustainable Ag. program.
The complete FGMO project done in Missouri is published in " Missouri
Sustainable Ad Demonstration Award projects 1998-2000" publication.

"Assessment of Mineral Oil to control Varroa Mites " (pg. 21)
by Matt Higdon

Matt is a research entomologist , certified eastern Apiculture society
master beekeeper & also a certified master beekeeper by the University of
Nebraska program .

In this months American Bee Journal (Dec. 2004 pg.921) the Westlaco USDA-ARS
bee lab has done *almost the same tests* as were done (by three longtime
beekeepers under a 1998 SARE grant)  in Missouri in 1998.

The Westlaco Bee Lab 2004 grant was from the National Honey Board.

The only difference:
 In 1998 the chemical control used was Apistan and in 2004 the chemical used
was Checkmite.

From the December issue of the American Bee Journal:

"Evaluation of Food grade Mineral Oil for Varroa Mite Control" by Elzen, Cox
&  Jones.

Conclusion from pg. 923:

"The data indicates FGMO fogging of hives is of no benefit in controlling
varroa populations or improving the overall health of the colony during the
test period."

Varroa mite load in fact increased during the FGMO treatment period which is
EXACTLY what happened in Missouri in 1998.

Bob

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