Keith Malone wrote:

>What about the scope of apiguard used in a portion of your colonies,  
was this just an experiment that was for some reason allowed outside  
the pledge.

Keith, the Russian Bee Breeders Association has just been formed. All rules are in effect beginning this year. In the past I have been on my own. 

Russian bees would undoubtedly be the best bee for wintering in Alaska. The only precaution I would give is that they have a good fall pollen source. You might even try some of the new pollen substitutes if you do not have good fall pollen. A good fall pollen source results in bigger winter clusters which I prefer for quicker spring build up. The bees came from Siberia originally so I am sure they would winter well. My bees winter in clusters from 2 frames up to 10 frames, even in areas where there was good fall pollen. I assume that the difference is genetic and one could select for the desired spring cluster size. 

Carl Webb




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