Very nice topic. I am a fun of propolis. I harvest around 20 kilos per year
from meshes that I place for this purpose on top of the frames.

What I have seen.

1.- Dark combs as stan said, is from cocoon and not from propolis.
2.- Bees propolize the rim of the cell, but not much inside the cells. I
believe this is to "clean"/"sanitice" their feets.
3.- Propolis is the "cry of the vegetables", if mixed with pollen that
happens when the bees prepare the load in the "pollen basket" (last pair of
legs).
4.- Depending on the size of the crack bees use only propolis, or
propolis+wax or only wax. IF small (less than 3 mm) Propolis, if between 3mm
and 5 mm propolis+wax, if bigger than 5 mm = wax. The sizes are
approximates.
5.- Propolis collection depends on genetics. I know I have mongrels but
definetivelly there are colonies that collects lots, other that collect
some, and some that almost do not collect propolis. I haven`t done any
selection on this aspect, not have try to understand the genetic behind.
6.- Propolis collection can be increased substantially by placing the formic
pad on top of the mesh. Bees propolize the mesh under the pad I think to
avoid formic fumes.
7.- Eventough propolis is inside the hive, that do not means it is
"available" for the bees as a medicin. If one prepare a tinture of propolis
and add that to the syrup on ensures that it will be available for the bees.
There is one Uruguayan feed "Fortavit" that adds raw propolis to the
mixture.


I do not have time to comment on the issue of foundation versus drawn combs.
I could only say that I agree with Allen if one doesn't give syrup and
expect the bees to draw the combs from natural inputs. How ever, if one give
plenty of syrup one can build foundation without risking honey production.
As I started APIZUR from zero I must draw many combs. My averages have been
always bigger (and substantially bigger) than my neigbours beekeepers.
An yes, the finance is the key way to compare. sugar syrup cost 1/3 to 1/4
honey here.


-- 
Juanse Barros J.
APIZUR S.A.
Carrera 695
Gorbea - CHILE
+56-45-271693
08-3613310
http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/
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