> Is there any

> possibility that the levels of systemic pesticides that are being found in
> larvae and adult bees are having an effect on varroa mortality?


Good question, Mike, and one that I've looked into.  The only thing that I
was able to find was that low levels of imidacloprid actually increase the
fecundity of the two-spotted spider mite.  So it could be that low levels
of residues in the hives could conceivably do the same with varroa.

However, field anecdotal reports from beekeepers in the corn and canola
areas do not support such an effect to any noticeable degree.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html