> It was pointed out to me that TM as a
> problem disappears when pollen starts
> in the spring and becomes one when it
> stops.

As Diana explained it to me, it's not a function of pollen, it's a
function of population growth.  As bees become more abundant, TM becomes
less of a problem because there are plenty of trachea for all.  When bee
populations are in decline or static (as they are in fall and winter) TM
have fewer trachea to inhabit and become a problem.  Hence the
recommendation to keep grease patties in the hive year round changed to
keep grease patties in the hive during periods of confinement (fall
winter).

Aaron Morris - thinking population dynamics!

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