> The newer book notes that wintering with forest honey containing
> melezitose can crystalize, causing midgut lesions contributing to
> development of N. apis,
> runny syrup  may contribute to diarrhea and soiled combs, and protein
> starvation as well as inadequate preparation and management of wintering
> bees as beekeeping practices affecting nosemosis.
>

George Imire found that fall honey was a deciding factor in unsuccessful
overwintering in cold climates, mainly because of the above. Fall honey in
Maine consists of several quick granulating honeys as well as "forest
honey" which is honeydew from pine forests. Add high ash content and you
have everything going against successful overwintering.

Until I shifted to his methods which in essence were to overwinter the bees
on "summer" honey, which has few of fall honeys problems, my bees suffered
from "diarrhea and soiled combs" which we called dysentery. No problems
since then.

It is nice to see that George's observations and advice are vindicated
again.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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