To my mind, the most interesting bit of info I gleaned at the AHPA meeting
is that the Carl Hayden lab has been testing 2-Heptanone as a potential bee
repellent.

It seems that 2-Heptanone kills varroa without affecting the bees
noticeably.  2-Heptanone is a food additive (blue cheese flavour/smell
ingredient) and so should be acceptable in beehives.  The problem is that it
is very volatile and would be "gone in 60 seconds".  Therefore the ARS is
working on a micro-encapsulation process to form time-release strips that
can be laid on a top bar.  The strips are being designed to last the
duration of treatment period, but be fully consumed by the bees by the end
of that time, thus eliminating the need to go back to remove anything.
Several herbal products are being tested and formulated for use against AFB
as well.

The liquid protein diet is still under development.  It required a
reformulation after the first tests, but is now stable and able to stay
fresh for long periods.  Hopefully this product will reach market in volume
before too long.

allen
A Beekeeper's Diary: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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