When discussing small cells and varroa reproduction, I wish to draw
attention to two  papers a couple of years ago, one from South Africa
which showed that varroa reproduced just as well in from memory 4.7 mm
cells as larger cells, and another study  from New Zealand which showed
the same results. So if these studies are correct, small cell size in
itself does not inhibit varroa reproduction, at least not in South
Africa and the North Island of New Zealand. I apologise for not
providing references but am busy with pressing work.

Also relevant might be the fact that varroa vary in size. Four years
ago 7 dead female varroa which I selected at random ranged from 2.20 to
2.30 mm wide, and 1.65 to 1.72 mm long. Almost certainly measuring more
would show a greater range. Seems like plenty of scope for selection for
smaller varroa to match smaller bee brood - not that this is necessary
according to the South African and New Zealand studies.

Regards,
Barry Donovan,
New Zealand.




Visit our website at http://www.crop.cri.nz
______________________________________________________
CAUTION: The information contained in this email is privileged
and confidential.  If you read this message and you are not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use,
dissemination, distribution or reproduction of all or part of the
contents is prohibited. If you receive this message in error,
please notify the sender immediately.

Any opinions or views expressed in this message are those of the
individual sender and may not represent those of their employer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::