>
> >These colonies are rejected as cell builders and returned to honey/pollen
> production at which they perform as well as any other.


Peter, I see exactly the same thing, and have the same question.
I'm currently trying to get funding for a study that I have proposed.  I
have a researcher lined up who can do deep sequencing of all endosymbiotic
bacteria in a bee.

I'm heading out today to take samples from the two best, and two worst
performing colonies in each yard.  I'm curious to see whether there is a
consistent correlation between gut endosymbiont structure and productivity.

if so, then an inoculum could be developed to feed to each package or nuc.


Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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