Todd wrote:

 Both areas seem to produce a large amount of very gooey propolis,
regardless of bee races (mixed NWC, Russian hybrids, Italians). .....in an agricultural
area  (few trees, very few pines), and noticed almost no propolis in his
hives.  Are pines (and other conifers) known to increase propolis  production?
What other major plants do bees utilize for propolis?


It is interesting that bees are keen to gather propolis when it is available.
 They seem to feel the need; and the uses to which they put it are well
known: gap stopping, varnishing in cells and hive parts, keeper bedevilment,
intruder encapsulation, steering wheel stickifier etc.  Some of the qualities and
uses of propolis are also known: toothpaste additive, local anaesthetic, sore
throat cure, anti everything harmful product etc.

Is there any study to show that hives where there is plenty of propolis are
any more or less healthy/productive/happy/stroppy etc than where there is a
dearth?

To answer Todd's second question: poplars.

As an afterthought, a possible stimulus to propolis gathering is the
beekeeper having got the bee-space wrong.

Chris

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