--- On Sun, 7/5/09, Peter Edwards <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Is this study ignoring any sub-lethal effects?

I was also thinking about replying.

Abstract:
“Did not observe <<<high honey bee mortality>>>>“ 

did not observe <<< high mortality >>> ??
Then what mortality DID they observe?

These studies that rely on << body counts >> are IMO quite ridiculous.
Does anyone out there actually agree with the ‘Bee Body Count Method’  being applicable in any good bee science?

Should be looking for sub lethal effects as Peter suggested.
Sub lethals are stresses that can add up to colony mortality when additional stresses and hardships come along. 

vanEngelsdorp, Foster, Pettis have ALL made comments similar to the effect that there are generally a multitude of stresses required to kill a colony, such as in cases typically described as being CCD.  And the latest stress, perhaps being what they have stated as  <<‘the final straw that breaks the camels back’>> and topples the colony.  

Other experts have made similar statements on the multiple combinations of causes which can lead to mortality in bees.  What these experts are saying, is that it is becoming clear, that honey bees (if I may pull from a manuscript) are suffering from what is being referred to as Multiple and Various Causative Agents Syndrome (MVCAS).  Which colony mortality can be caused by additive or synergistic combinations of more than one factor that affects bee health. The combinations may vary among hives, apiaries, regions and countries, and when the combinations and additional stresses are added, the stresse become too great and the colony collapses.   

I propose that these studies be run out for several years through time of drought, nectar dearth and other stresses, to see if the camels back gets broke.

Joe


      

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