Apologies for the late reply to the recent message of Snr Omallini to the
List. I've just today returned from business out of the office.

Caro Snr Omallini,

Grazie per il tuo messagio e hai raggione. Pero, le prove di Milani sono
1997. Siamo adesso 2000 e il sembre un problema maggiore con fosforganici
nel Nord (d'Italia). Per favore di parlare dei apicoltori di Lombardia e
Piemonte. Anche in Spagna dove il problemma e piu avancato.


For the List:
It has been pointed out by Snr Omallini that studies in Italy in 1997 showed
that a tolerance to coumaphos was building up in Northern Italy but the
difference between susceptible and tolerant strains was not great enough to
call it resistance.

That, however, was in 1996/early '97. By the end of 1999, hives were
succumbing to varroa in Northern Italy, following treatment with coumaphos,
with huge numbers of mites surviving.  This seems to be true resistance in
varroa to coumaphos. There is no data on how widespread the problem is as
yet.

Greater, or rather more advanced, problems have emerged in Spain with a
related organophosphate, chlorfenvinfos, used illegally as a varroa
treatment. In Spain, not only is the treatment no longer effective due to
organophosphate resistance in varroa but the substance contaminates the
honey as well as the wax.


It should be expected to see published papers on this phenomenon in the near
future.


Best regards,

Max


Dr Max Watkins
Vita (Europe) Limited
Brook House, Alencon Link
Basingstoke, Hants RG21 7RD  UK

Tel.   +44 (0) 1256 473177
Fax   +44 (0) 1256 473179

http://www.vita.demon.co.uk