Peter L Borst wrote:>Most studies gauge the effectiveness of fumagillin by the resultant increase in brood production, bee production or honey production. ........These drugs are used far too often, when not needed, and then when they are needed they may no longer work.<

IMHO Some treatment is needed against nosema, due to effect on lowering honey production, despite references in the recent discussion that nosema is not associated with death of colonies. 

No mention has yet been made of API Herb as an alternative.  This Italian herbal product contains dried plant material, essential oils and a massive dose of Vitamin B12.  I cannot find any references to full objective testing,  but the report at apiservices.com  states ApiHerb reduced spore counts in bee stomachs by 71% against reduction of 53% by fumagillin  and 30% in the untreated control colonies. Reduction in spore count seems a more direct measure of success than increased brood production as that can be due to other effects. 

I have used ApiHerb as a precaution because of suspected nosema infection reducing productivity by reducing the lifespan of foragers. It has no side effects, is cheap (£2.50 per hive). 

Has ApiHerb been tried in US to control nosema and hopefully increase honey production? 

Robin 

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