In response to a message that did not appear on BEE-L, but came 
direct to me:
---

> I think it must be noted, considering the fast developing recovery of 
the feral population as well as breeding for resistance in commercial 
stock,  that the 10 percent estimate is perhaps an extremely out-dated 
factoid.  The 10% number was proposed years ago, during the early 
investigations into hygienic behavior for resistance to mites. 

Yes.  I agree, but although the future is here, it is still not evenly 
distributed.  And, moreover, there are those among us who knowingly 
or unknowingly maintain and propagate non-hygienic stock and are 
thus keeping the problem from resolving.  

Since there is no visible indication of the lethal genetic weakness (lack 
of hygienic qualities) -- at least, that is until the colony or colonies 
break down with various maladies -- for as long as they are treated 
constantly, and not requeened, they can continue present a hazard to 
other beekeepers.  They are a manace to both their neighbours, and 
to the people who believe them when they claim that their inferior 
bees are superior in some way that justifies them.  

Some of those who maintain non-hygienic stock do so out of ignorance 
or long habit.  Others simply lack the skills or persistance or the 
scruples to make sure they are not propagating bad stock.  There are 
many to which both excuses apply.  It has been proven now that that 
proper hygienic selection does eliminate other good properties in a 
strain of bees, and the time has come to get the message across.   
That is IMO why Dr. Spivak is going to the source of the problem and 
working with the queen producers. 

Some think hygienic bees in every outfit is a pipe dream or a luxury, 
but it is not.  We are not going to have the luxury of using chemicals 
much longer.  If the authortities don't act to say, "Enough", then the 
customers and insurance companies will. Besides, the cost and the 
difficulty of constantly working with non-hardy bees and replacing 
losses when the latest chemical fails is wearing beekeepers down.  
Imagine not having to worry about mite counts and AFB.  Someday we 
will get there.  Who knows, maybe we can breed for bees that are 
resistant to nosema, too.

> A test of all my colonies consisting of ferals in 2004, and before I 
started selecting for hygienic behavior indicated 60% carried the trait, I 
only counted those expressing above 90% as hygienic.  Below 90% 
hygienic were all eliminated.

I'd be interested in knowing  what test you are using.  Is it the multiple 
circle nitrogen test, counting removed brood percentage after 48 hrs?

I guess that is the message I am announcing to the unbelievers and 
the Rip van Winkles in the group. <G>

I hope I am right. 

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned 
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html