From: "deelusbybeekeeper" <deelusbybeekeeper@excelonline.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 12:14:49 -0800
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: HIP update

Hi to all on Biological Beekeeping

Barry wrote:

> Some updated information on the HIP program that was posted on BEE-L. You
> can read more about the HIP program at:
http://www.beesource.com/pov/hip.htm
> Yet another effort to control the damage of mites without the use of
> chemicals. Knowing now what I do about cell size, I have my doubts that this
> alone will work long term.

Posted on BEE-L:

> HIP continues. But the genetic puzzle to achieve Varroa
> resistance/tolerance/untreated thriving survivability is complex and we have
> but very very few among the MANY beekeepers that will actually "Cooperate"
> so we can unitedly work the puzzle out. Lots of interested specatators and
> few who will actually help do the needful work.

An example - BIG ASSUMPTION - reducing mite population
> increase = varroa resistance - then a program designed to breed bees that
> can under ideal conditions actually have a negative v-mite population
> growth - a dandy thing but then it begs the question --- WILL THEY SURVIVE
> with their "reduced mite load" and thrive next year as well WITH NO MITE
> TREATMENT of any kind (chemical, biological, grease patty, TM extender
> patty, etc.)???? And if they do can they pass it on consistently to their
> offspring???
>
> HIP does not claim we have the puzzle figured out yet - but we keep right on
> plugging away at it. Sure wish we had more good beekeepers that cared
> enough to pitch in and cooperate so we could unitedly work out the puzzle.

Reply:

Interesting! Very worthwhile endeavor. From what I read posted, looks like
they have never compared their combs one to the other, both internally in
their colonies and other beekeepers amongst themselves participating, and
then compared the sizing found, to size of feral bees surviving and that
sold on the open market

.. How do the participants relate to artificial sizing with their bees and
also to feral surviving size wise? Would be highly interesting to find out
and compare notes.

A problem of having each on different comb sizing would be be have many
variables effecting the bees and the reproduction of the mites and secondary
diseases themselves, all working against each other. Interesting! Think they
would be open to trying some small cell foundation?

Regards

Dee A. Lusby
Commercial (Non-migratory beekeeper)
using no essential oils, acids, drugs, chemicals, etc
Tucson, Arizona
USA