Ralph Harrison asked (23 Nov):
 
>Is there any difference in using beet sugar vs cane sugar for spring and fall
>feeding? One of our beekeeping association members was told by someone that
>the bees would not accept the  beet sugar or it would make them  sick. He
>couldn't remember which. Is there any truth to this statement.
 
Mike Griggs provided quite a complete specific answer (24 Nov  --- not
repeated here).
 
   The issue of sugar (and what to feed or what can be fed) is actually a
very complicated one.  I am currently preparing a review article on nectar,
sugar, feeding, and honey for the AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL.
 
   Table sugar (sucrose) is one of the most pure substances one can buy in
the market, whether it be cane or beet sugar.  For Ralph's specific
question about beet sugar, then, the answer is quite clear:  Beekeepers
have been feeding beet sugar and/or cane sugar to their colonies for
several decades without any problem.
 
   A caution, however:  One should not overheat any sugar solution (syrup)
while preparing the feed.
 
                                                Adrian
 
Adrian M. Wenner                         (805) 893-2838 (UCSB office)
Ecol., Evol., & Marine Biology           (805) 893-8062  (UCSB FAX)
Univ. of Calif., Santa Barbara           (805) 963-8508 (home office & FAX)
Santa Barbara, CA  93106
 
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