-----Original Message-----
From:   Allen Dick [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Monday, January 28, 2002 3:29 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: The Truth is Out There

> You are right we have only got one state completely capensis now. Let us 
> wait till all of California is capensis before deciding if capensis is a 
> good or bad thing.
Allen wrote:
Hmmmm.   So far, this is the first statement (I think) that I have read that the capensis-like characteristics seen in Arizona bees are indeed because the bees are capensis, not just capensis-like.
Is there any evidence other than a similarity in some behaviours, or is this just speculation?
I stand by my original post.about  Dr. Hoffman (representative to the ABF convention from the Tucson bee lab).    
 When I asked at the end of her talk if we were talking about capensis  her answer was "you are exactly right".  
I have tried to get a breakdown from the USDA as to what degree of africanization is necessary for a bee to be considered africanized. I have also tried to find out details about the Erickson/Hines project  but only general information has been released.I have also tried to find out if the USDA can tell a scut from a capensis. Surely a retired researcher from one of the bee labs or a apiary inspector can answer  those questions? The USDA has been slamming doors in my face today. Hmmm. Privately  I was told Dr. Hoffman is only a figure head  and not directly involved with the research. Another USDA person indicated I was on the right trail but was afraid of his job if he spoke openly. A retired USDA said because he was now retired he could talk openly but when I asked the million dollar question he never emailed me back. Hmmm.
Maybe others will get better results. In the meantime order the lecture tape from the ABF as the federation needs the money and decide for yourself. The lecture was at 9:30 am on Thursday January 17th.
"Pollination research at Tucson"-Dr. Gloria De Grandi Hoffman, Tucson Bee Lab,USDA-ARS,Tucson, Arizona.
Last year you could order a cassette of any lecture you wanted or all lectures.
Bob