>>> They <Africanized bees> may not be safe for neighborhoods, but the Africanized hybrids would still pollinate almonds adequately.
<><><> My understanding is that colonies are in almonds from 1 1/2 to 2 months. Is that time enough to bee concerned about swarming/queen replacement - ergo mating with Africanized drones - to bee a concern?
Mike, I am sitting in an almond Orchard as I type this waiting for It to warm up.
3 points, 1. Africanized will seldom make grade, you need an 8 frame average which requires 12-14 frames in fall or an early start. Its at the too edge of hive size for these bees
2. Almond. Blom is about 3 weeks tops
3 only a fool would put hot nasty bees on a paying job. The orchards are inspected by growers and many workers Not saying it doesnt happen, only that as a known plan its illegal and foolish.
Charles
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