Bob Harrison, campaigning for smaller cell size quotes from "Encylopedia of
Beekeeping", written and edited by Roger Morse and Ted Hooper:

> Varroa Jacobsoni was originally limited to,and EVOLVED
> on,an Asian species of honey bee,Apis cerana. The damage to this species
> is apparently not serious,and REPRODUCTION IS limited to the drone brood
cells.

The he writes:

> I found thru
> further research that the cell size was the reason (smaller) and when the
> colony was without drone brood the varroa reduced exactly like when we
treat
> with chemicals.

And concludes as proven "the case for getting our hives on the 4.9mm
foundation."

First off, little was known about Varroa jacobsoni in 1985 when "Encylopedia
of Beekeeping" was published.  Second, writing that "further research"
showed that the cell size was the reason for varroa reproducing in worker
cells without giving a source for the further research is ludicrous!

Using outdated and unnamed sources Bob's conclusion as presented amounts to
smaller cells is the proven answer because he says so.  As presented, it
doesn't stand up.

Aaron Morris - thinking because I say so.