Mike :
 
> And what about NEEM oil?  A friend of mine asked if anyone has tried it.  Are
> there any known problems with its use in the hive from an experimental
> standpoint?  Yes, it's not an approved substance in the US, but are there any
> known detrimental effects?  Providing that there is a possibility of safety,
> is there a source for purchasing small quantities?
 
I am one of the researchers who is working on the effects of neem oil on
honey bees, mites, and honey bee diseases.  I do not think anyone has a
good idea of how neem oil (or refined neem oil extracts) work against
mites or how safe it is to use around bees.  The published studies I have
seen to date suggest some preliminary miticidal and antibiotic properties,
but other studies suggest that honey bee larva are somewhat suceptible to
poisioning.  I know of no study that looks at queen fertility after being
treated with neem (some, but not all, adult insects become less fertile or
even sterile when treated with neem).  Without some research to guide
the way (we're working on it), a neem treatment you might dream up may have
some very nasty side-effects against your bees.  I would not recomend playing
with the stuff just yet.
 
Cheers
Adony
 
***********************************
** Adony P. Melathopoulos *********
*** Center for Pest Management ****
**** Simon Fraser University ******
***** Burnaby, British Columbia ***
****** Canada, V5A-1S6 ************
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"The pursuit of agriculture promotes the strength of the mind
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         - Rev. John L. Blake, 1853