IMO, by seeking treatment
> alternatives to these new diseases are perhaps neglecting the most
> important contributor to the colonies immune system found in (behavioral
> traits).

In beekeeping we have always had those we call "crusaders". I have been
friends with many of these types through out the years! Crusaders always
need to remember the U.S. food production needs a couple million hives for
pollination. its great for some to ignore new diseases and problems to
hopefully find other answers but the industry as a whole needs treatments.

Every year I hear the cry about our dependence on foreign oil ( which is
serious but pickups and SUV's in many cases got better gas mileage a couple 
decades ago! ) but if the trend of unsustainable big agriculture continues a
bigger concern of mine might be our dependence on the rest of the world for
our food.

I watched a documentary on the apple industry in Washington State the other
day. Once thriving apple farms going out of business because they can't
compete with apples from out of country. Raisin grape industry in California
is history. Almond trees are being planted by the thousands of acres around
the world. Cherry growers say they can't compete.

bob 

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