The USDA, ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology
Laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is seeking the help of
beekeepers in a project aimed at combatting Varroa jacobsoni.  We
at the laboratory are searching U.S. honey bee germplasm for
traits which contribute to resistance to, or tolerance of,
varroa.  Beekeepers are urged to contact us if they are aware of
infested colonies that have survived for more than a year without
treatment to control varroa.  Many people have commented to us
about colonies that they think may be resistant.  Now is the time
to critically evaluate these genetic resources from across the
nation, as resistance may indeed have had a chance to be
expressed.   We ask the nation's beekeepers to check for possible
"survivor" colonies as beekeeping activities are stepped up in
the weeks ahead.
 
This project can accommodate up to 50 queens.  The queens will be
evaluated in 1996, and the best will be used for further stock
research and development during the next two to three years.
Each contributing beekeeper will be sent  the results of the
initial queen evaluation and a complimentary queen from the first
generation of propagated material.
 
The chief goal of this project is to deliver an improved stock
back to U.S. beekeepers.
Thus, this is a unique opportunity for concerned beekeepers to
contribute to the wellbeing of their industry.  Anyone wishing to
contribute potentially useful queens should contact one of the
principal investigators (listed below); queens will be needed in
Baton Rouge by the end of April.  We ask that no queens be sent
before arrangements are made with us.
 
Robert Danka (tel. 504/767-9294, email [log in to unmask])
John Harbo (504/767-9288, [log in to unmask])
Thomas Rinderer (504/767-9281, [log in to unmask])
 
USDA, ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory
1157 Ben Hur Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70820-5502
tel. 504/767-9280, fax 504/766-9212