Related to the discussion on winter bees and the lifespan of bees:
Several years ago I helped a Ukrainian friend translate a beekeeping book from Ukrainian to English.  The title of the book is "Liquidation of Diseases of Honey Bees through Reproductive Regulation" written by a Ukrainian bee researcher named Petro Khmarra.  Much of this book describes how honey production can be increased and disease and parasite problems reduced by preventing a queen from laying at specific times of the year.  Essentially breaking the brood cycle and creating 'winter bees' in summer.
From the first paragraph of the relevant section: 

"The main achievement of reproduction management is a physiologically young colony and a maximum life span of bees. This requires temporary planned isolation of the queen, which stops her from contact with comb and eggs laying, but gives worker bees the opportunity to serve her constantly. Bees’ longevity management, disease prevention, health improvement, and increased productivity are the main objectives of this effective beekeeping technology."

I've uploaded the book as a Word document and welcome those interested in practical applications of regulated bee reproduction and bee longevity to give it a read.  The relevant part starts at the bottom of page 45.  
http:/www.outdoorplace.org/beekeeping/Liquidation of Diseases of Honey Bees through Reproductive Regulation - Petro Khmara.docx

The book is not without serious flaws.  It does not present quantitative experimental data to support his conclusions.  It is also repetitive in parts.  But I think he's essentially correct on his main points and in agreement with most of the discussion on Bee-L.  Much quantitative research needed on this.
 
John CaldeiraPO Box 224, Rakiraki, Ra, Fiji(+679) [log in to unmask]

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