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Date: | Wed, 3 Feb 2021 07:42:30 -0700 |
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In response to the comments about seasonality of brood production,
timing of drone production as it relates to AHB in tropical America:
Brood is produced pretty much year round, with decreases during the off
season(s) (most places the rainy season) and peaks during the dry
season(s). AHB follows similar patterns to European bees in
responsiveness and timing of drone production, just more broody. So I
doubt any colony growth, brood production or similar parameter gives
them an edge. If anything their broodiness should be a disadvantage.
Of course there is the higher swarming, and more dramatically
absconding, that may influence the overall varroa pressure.
A number of studies have documented possible mechanisms of resistance
to varroa in Brazilian AHB. Some show pretty dramatic differences
between AHB and Europeans, others not so much. Which ones play
important roles and are they permanent? For example, Camazine showed
very high levels of varroa infertility in brood of AHB, compared to
European, but that seems to not be around anymore. Data from the rest
of South and Central America are lacking or show very minor
differences. Kind of the same for Mexico, except for some slight
indications of differences in mite fertility.
So yes, it would seem like Brazilian beekeepers can get by with no
treatment, while in the rest of tropical America treatments may be
needed. Anyone on the list have direct experience or know beekeepers
who may confirm this?
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