--- On Wed, 3/2/11, randy oliver <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>other possible reasons for the shot pattern:
>Miticide or pesticide contamination of comb
       Haven't used any miticides on the colony.  Last herbicide was on peanuts last summer - pollen wasn't stored in brood area.

>Virus mortality
      Eight out of fifteen hives were tested in a national test late last summer, only virus detected in the test was dwarf wing virus.  Only once in a great while do I see visible evidence of that.  Mite infestation was moderate to high, but don't think I have lost any hives due to mites.  Did loose some to starvation even though jars of syrup were available.  Don't think the cluster was able to migrate over to the jar during a short three or four day subfreezing weather pattern.   Plan on using candy under an inner cover next year.  Learn more from my mistakes every year.

>Fast-acting AFB strain
      BOY!   I surely do hope not.   I can't tell by smell, can't smell well.  Didn't see visible evidence in cells but will check again specifically for that.  Queen had gone back and relaid in empty cells.

>Hope this helps!
      It did.  Gave me some avenues of investigation that I had not thought about.  Will be getting back into the hive tomorrow.   Weather is nice here and bees are working hard.  I'm almost to the point of thinking I need to go ahead and add my honey supers.

Located 1/2 way between Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama

Mike in LA  (Lower Alabama)


      

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