Allan said:

> Beekeepers in northern states who replaced 50% or more of the  > comb in their colonies lost on average 17.2 more colonies per  > hundred than those who did not replace any of the combs in  > their brood chambers.



It is interesting to see confirmation of a fact that experienced northern commercial beekeepers have always known: that bees winter better on comb which has been in use several seasons and which has some colour.  For wintering, older comb is an important asset.  (I don't know how the Northern Europeans can change as much comb as they reportedly do and winter well).



Response:



This issue was mentioned at Apimondia Quebec meeting 2012 by Dr. VanEngeldorp. Dr. Spivak believes that this can be due to new beekeepers who used new foundation don't feed enough for bees to winter on. You need to look at the starvation in the same group of beekeepers. It is very interesting point was raised after the presentation. The other question was: what % of those beekeepers were new with experience vs beekeepers with experience!

Food for Thoughts.



Medhat

 Dr. Medhat Nasr

Alberta Provincial Apiculturist

Pest Surveillance Branch

Research and Innovation Division

Agriculture and Rural Development

17507 Fort Road NW

Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3 Canada

Tel: 780-415-2314             Fax: 780-422- 6096

E-mail:  [log in to unmask]





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