>In other words, the authors state that we cannot point at any one stress factor as a sole explanation for colony losses, because even when stressors are non-synergistic, multiple stressors TOGETHER are interacting dynamically in a way that can result in divergent outcomes between neighboring colonies. Exactly what the Bee-L participants are saying over and over (with the exception of those who think that certain pesticides do not stress bee colonies significantly). I can't think of anyone who posts to the List who does not agree with the above statement. I myself have published a model showing that exact thing ( http://scientificbeekeeping.com/sick-bees-part-2-a-model-of-colony-collapse/ ). Christina, perhaps you misunderstand some of us. None of us doubt that any number of pesticides stress colonies. What we object to is the tunnel vision of some who are focusing solely upon one class of insecticides alone, rather than looking at the larger picture. -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** 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