 Ed and Dee are full-time commercial
beekeepers in Tucson, AZ. Ed is a fourth generation beekeeper.
Dee and Ed work side by side in all phases of their operation.
In addition to the conventional activities of beekeeping, they
mill their own woodenware and wax foundation, select and maintain
a stock of slightly smaller bees highly adapted to their area,
and produce their own queens.
Their non-chemical 'back to basics' approach to beekeeping leads
them to spend much of their spare time in libraries where they
search for obscure bits of information which, when assembled
in logical order, yield insights into old problems such as bee
kills due to the use of pesticides, and new problems like parasitic
mites. Such has been their pursuit of an understanding of the
importance of comb cell diameter, an issue emanating out of their
bee breeding activities and search for non-chemical methods of
resolving disease and mite problems.
The Lusbys found that comb cell diameter differs among the various
sources of foundation manufactured in the United States and around
the world. Following publication of this discovery in 1990, they
undertook an all out effort to resolve the question of optimal
natural cell diameter and its potential impact on colony vigor.
Having identified, to their own satisfaction, optimal cell diameter
for their geographic area (Southern Arizona), they have nearly
completed converting their entire operation to a 'natural system'
incorporating their concept of smaller cells. They have widely
reported to beekeepers that their use of optimal natural cell
diameter has significantly reduced disease and mite infestation
in their colonies while simultaneously increasing brood viability
and colony productivity. Convinced, a number of beekeepers have
embraced the Lusby's management strategies. Ed and Dee have now
turned their attention to developing a world map that will identify,
for beekeepers, optimal natural cell diameter by latitude.
- ABJ
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| The
Way Back to Biological Beekeeping |
| 1) |
The Way Back to Biological Beekeeping |
| 2) |
Beekeeping Today in Southern Arizona |
| 3) |
The Way Back to Biological Beekeeping ...The
Saga Continues |
| 4) |
Honeybee Comb: Brief History, Size and Ramifications
Part 1 |
| 5) |
Honeybee Comb: Size and Ramifications Part 2 |
| 6) |
Honeybee Comb: Size and Ramifications Part 3 |
| 7) |
Honeybee Comb: Size and Ramifications Part 4 |
| 8) |
Retrogression Back to Normal Part 1 |
| 9) |
Retrogression Back to Normal Part 2 |
| 10) |
Recycling Beeswax:
Background - Decontamination...Is it necessary? Part 1 |
| 11) |
Recycling Beeswax:
Decontamination - What Will it Involve to Clean-Up My Combs?
Part 2 |
| 12) |
Recycling Beeswax:
Recommended Decontamination Procedures Part 3 |
| 13) |
Recycling Beeswax:
Epilogue Part 4 |
| 14) |
Making Foundation by Hand |
| 15) |
Year #3 in the Field |
| 16) |
Bee Breeding in the Field: Part #1
American Mite History Background |
| 17) |
Bee Breeding in the Field: Part #2
USA Paralysis - Vicious Bee Breeding Historical Background. |
| 18) |
Bee Breeding in the Field: Part #3
Back to Basics |
| 19) |
Bee Breeding in the Field: Part #4
Basic Colony Thermodynamics. |
| 20) |
Bee Breeding in the Field: Part #5
Projecting Breeding Cycles. |
| 21) |
Suggested Biological Manipulative Field Management
for Control of Honeybee Mites.
Part #1 Concept & Causes |
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22) |
Suggested Biological Manipulative Field Management
for Control of Honeybee Mites.
Part #2 Prevention - A Possibility! |
