From: Erik Osterlund <honeybee@elgon.se>
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 23:00:17 +0100
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: HIP update

At 08.29 -0600 1-03-17, Barry Birkey 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.
>
>-Barry
>
>------------------------------
.... 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.)???? ....

This is crucial understanding of the matter. And as Barry says small cell
size contributes a lot to help the bees to get a environment that helps
them deal with the mite and secondary infections. I believe small cellsize
should be included in such a program as this and success is much faster
achieved. Such kind of work is it that is under way in Norway, Finland and
Sweden now, and I'm sure in UK and in more places in USA. We'll se more
reports soon enough.

Erik