From SYSAM@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDUMon May 22 06:40:39 1995 Date: Mon, 22 May 95 08:34:17 EDT From: Aaron Morris To: dicka@cuug.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Sep 89 09:08:58 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Dear Dave and Carol: If you read this please send me your E-mail addresses. Dave; there is a problem with yours between "Inouye" and "D". Carol; Dave sent me CK5%UMAIL.UMD.EDU and I ask should the "%" be an "@". Thanks, Peter. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Sep 89 12:30:00 MST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: INOUYE_D@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU Peter Kevan: There is an underline character between Inouye and D in my address, and Carol's is correct as you have it, with the % sign. David Inouye ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 15 Sep 89 11:44:36 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Dr. James H. Hunt" Dr. James H. Hunt Department of Biology phone 314-553-6209 University of Missouri - St. Louis fax 314-553-6233 St. Louis, MO 63121 Bitnet C4926@UMSLVMA U.S.A. Dear BEE-L subscribers: I need help. For the upcoming IUSSI Congress in Bangalore I am co-organizing (with Christine Nalepa of North Carolina State U.) a symposium entitled: "The Role of Nourishment in the Ontogeny and Evolution of Insect Societies." Christine works on wood roaches; I work mostly on wasps. We have speakers on subsocial insects, termites, legionary ants, and other taxa. Our coverage of bees, however, is weak. Rinus Sommeijer (Univ. Utrecht) is a probable contributor on Meliponines, and I have a possible speaker in mind for Apis (though I welcome your comments/suggestions on Apis/Bombus). I have no leads at all, though, on non-apine bees. Who might be appropriate to review the role of nourishment in the social biology of halictines and/or allodapines? Possible topics for such a review would include: food sources (e.g., seasonality, abundance, reliability); nourishment (e.g., developmental constraints); provisioning (e.g., behavior, differential provisioning and caste); trophallaxis; and the relation between nourishment and ovarian development. A two-page summary of the presentation would be published in the proceedings of the Bangalore Congress. Preliminary investigation has suggested the likelihood that the full symposium proceedings, plus a couple of additional contributions, may be published as a book after the congress. Any comments? Suggestions? A volunteer? What about Bombus? I look forward to hearing from you. Jim Hunt ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 21 Sep 89 09:05:54 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Barbara Fallon Subject: <*** NO SUBJECT ***> In-Reply-To: Message of 09/15/89 at 11:44:36 from C4926@UMSLVMA Jim, I cannot help you but will pass your request for help on to those who may be able to. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Sep 89 23:39:00 N Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: INFN.IT domain is equivalent to BITNET domain: INFNET; INFNET has been disestablished Dec 31, 1988 From: SANFORD@ASTBO1.BO.CNR.IT Subject: September APIS--pls acknowledge receipt Dear Bee-L folks. Going to Hamburg Germany October 1. Any suggestions on who to see concerning beekeeping matters in the area? SATELLITE TELEVIDEO CONFERENCE Dr. Jim Tew of The Ohio State University will host a satellite video broadcast on beekeeping, October 10, 1989 at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. Latest information is that it will be beamed via Westar 4, Channel 24 and will emphasize problems concerning Varroa bee mites. Jim indicates it is a program of international scope with Canadians and Mexicans cooperating. More information is available directly from Jim through his INTERNET address "jim_tew%00%oardc@gate.us.ohio-state.edu". He is a subscriber to the BEE-L network. FILENAME: SEPAPIS.T9X Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Volume 7, Number 9, September 1989 MORE ON ITALY Things were quiet during the month of August here. This is the traditional time when almost all Italians head for the mountains or the sea. During the true dog days of August, Bologna was practically a ghost town with most of its shops closed for "ferie." If one contemplates a summer sojourn in Italy, the best advice is never come in August. In some respects, like many university towns, it was pleasant with all the students absent. Gone were the numerous mopeds using the porticos as private streets. The pollution also diminished noticeably as did the general racket along the main drags. A counterpoint was the closure of restaurants and other places of business. One had to know where to go for the neccesities of life. Even the computer here had a few days off and I temporarily lost electronic contact with the rest of the world. The deadest day was Ferraugusto (August 15) a general holiday dating all the way back a to Augustus Caesar. European vacaction time is over by September first. Bologna has bustled back to its normal self, and I am on the road again. Last week I travelled to northeast Italy to visit the town of Udine. There in the foothills of the mountains separating Italy from Austria, "Varroa" was first detected in Italy in 1981. It is not known how the mite got there, but most believe it was brought in on the backs of bees from Yugoslavia. The year after its first detection, the mite was found in places as far away as central Italy. Thus, before any control measures could be mounted, it was too late to stem the invasion. The pest now inhabits the entire country as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Since introduction of "Varroa" in its backyard, the Istituto di Difesa delle Piante, Udine University has been at the forefront of the battle to contain and control the mite. The current rector of the University, Prof. F. Frilli, a beekeeper and researcher, recently published on the situation in Italy. His conclusion was that "cohabitation" with "Varroa" has finally been achieved; it is no longer unknown and beekeepers are interested in the problem. A type of natural selection has also occurred in beekeeping. Uninformed and unmotivated beekeepers have been put out of business. Dr. Norberto Milani, an eminent entomologist who came to Udine from the University of Padova at Prof. Frilli's invitation, now directs much of the bee research in Udine as Dr. Frilli is busy administrating the affairs of the University. He has compiled an extensive bibliography of publications about "Varroa", and along with colleagues, hosted an international convention on the mite in collaboration with Austria, Germany and Yugoslavia in Trent, Italy in 1987 and also an experts meeting in Udine in 1988. Dr. Bill Bruce, now on the staff at the bee lab Beltsville, Md., stayed in Udine (1988) for several months collaborating with scientists there to raise mites on artificial diets. These efforts have failed so far. A big problem, according to Dr. Milani, is the high temperature of the brood nest where "Varroa" develops. Any diet at that temperature tends to deteriorate very quickly. Studies continue in Udine and the group is one of the most prolific in publishing its research. Current projects include developing control measures and studying basic mite biology. Soon the entomology section will move into a new building which will provide much more space than the current facility. The group also does some extension related work. In May, 1989 it published a magnificent booklet entitled "L'Ape" which contains 38 pages of full color illustrations, including scanning electron micrographs, on the anatomy of the honey bee. HONEY-LE ITALIANE LO FANNO MEGLIO The ninth annual "Giulio Piana" honey contest is history. The Piana Prize is perhaps the most prestigous award currently given in Italy. It is named after one of the country's pioneer beekeepers, who died over a decade ago. The winners were announced September 10 near the residence of the Piana family, who still carry on the bee business near Bologna, in the community of Castel San Pietro Terme. Terme refers to the fact that a thermal spring is found here. On the grounds of the terme in conjunction with the judging, there was a honey fair and exhibit area for beekeeping products. Inside the nearby convention center, a national meeting was held on maintaining the quality of Italian honey. This year's competition included 350 samples of honey from all over Italy. Each entry was first run through a preliminary laboratory screening for moisture and pollen analyis. The samples were then judged by a prestigous group of "honey sommelliers" for their organoleptic qualities. This latter term refers to the sensorial, necessarily subjective, qualities of honey; its taste, color, and odor. The coordinating judge was Prof. Michel Gonnet, Institute of Agronomic Research, Avignon, France, who is reputed to have invented the judging system using organoleptics as an important honey marketing tool. In the end, 58 prizes were awarded. The energy expended in judging the Piana Prize greatly surpasses that for any similar contest in the U.S. to my knowledge. It points to an interesting difference between the philosophies of producing/marketing honey in the U.S. versus Italy and all of Europe for that matter. The rules are much stricter and more highly defined on the continent than in the U.S. In Italy, there is a strong tradition of controlling/regulating all kinds of activity. This presumably arose through the centuries as conquering political entities tried to govern territories they subjected. The current effort to control honey has as its base a great deal of research on the qualities of the sweet that are for the most part ignored in the U.S. For example, three articles in the 1988 edition of "Apicoltura", the major Italian research publication, are concerned with identifying variables that can be used to determine Italian unifloral honeys. It was found that color, light rotation (polarization), electric conductivity, HMF and diastase content, total acidity and pH, sugar content (total fructose, total glucose and total fructose plus glucose) were important measurements in the process. In a followup paper, statistical "cluster analysis" of 392 samples was run to determine the effectiveness of this method. Besides the above effort, a large amount of previous research has gone into determining the characteristics of various pollens found in honey. Again, the aim has been to characterize Italian honey as much as is humanly possible. One result of this is the classic volume, "Flora Apistica Italiana", written by G. Ricciardelli d'Albore and L. Persano Oddo. This book contains microscopic photos of 299 pollens found in Italian honeys. While some attention has been paid to characterizing the plants important to beekeeping in the U.S., very little effort has been devoted to the issue of pollen study in determining unifloral nectar sources. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, the Federazione Apicoltori Italiani (FAI) provides a seal of quality to its members. Its presence guarantees the honey in the container to be Italian in origin. In it's volume, "L'Apicoltura " "Italiana", the FAI says that honey sealed in this manner is controlled through a joint effort of the National Consumer's Union and the FAI by inspections of extracting facilities and insistence on analysis of honey samples. This was underscored in an article in the March, 1989 issue of "Mondo Agricolo", a magazine dedicated to agricultural affairs. The title of the article was, "Le Italiane lo Fanno Meglio," roughly translated, "Italian honey does it better." The gist of the article is that honey is a good product, responsible for helping conserve human health. It goes on to say that scientific evidence confirms honey helps cure respiratory, kidney and gastro-intestinal problems and that the sweet is used in many cosmetic products. Finally, the article takes its agrument one step farther saying that honey is good, yes, but Italian honey is better. Although the amount of effort may be different in characterizing honey, the Italians have similar concerns as U.S. beekeepers when it comes to imported honey. The article noted above is one response to the large amount of the sweet currently arriving from China, Mexico and Argentina. Another is a national honey convention, held for the first time this year in conjunction with Piana prize. The purpose of the meeting was to propose a designation, "Miele Vergine Integrale," translated as whole virgin honey. The effort results from three factors which are considered grave threats to honey marketing in Italy: (1) domestic marketing problems because of imports, (2) large bee loss due to "Varroa", and (3) a fragmented domestic honey marketing structure. Specifically, the requirements for the denomination "whole virgin honey" include a maximum water content of 18%, various diastase and HMF levels depending on kind of honey being marketed, and that no product containing the honey be heated above 45 degrees C (113 degrees F). Finally, it is proposed that the label show where the honey was bottled, that it should be consumed by a certain date and any from outside the country should be called "imported." The drafters of whole virgin honey rule believe that such a denomination would be the best way to maintain the quality and value of Italian honey. It was also suggested at the convention that this designation be proposed for all of Europe, when the European Economic Community (EEC) becomes a reality in 1992. THE EEC--A FORCE TO RECKON WITH Much of Europe is excited about 1992. That's the official date the European Economic Community (EEC) becomes a reality. At that time, twelve western European nations will voluntarily remove trade restrictions among each other. Many economists believe this will create a strong economic force that will affect trade worldwide. Only time will tell to what extent commercial activity will be dictated by the EEC, however, those who currently are exporting honey or plan to in the future should be closely watching events as they unfold in Europe. It is after all the major world honey consuming entity. Italy will be a big part of the EEC. Those who are currently working in regulating honey through the auspices of the Italian National Apicultural Institute in Bologna have had several meetings with counterparts to iron out rules concerning honey. It will not be easy. There appear to be a great number of variables and persons involved, and in the past, the extreme regionalism that characterizes Europe has prevented many accords. An important meeting occurred in April 1989 of EEC professionals and marketers in bee products. Billed as ApinFiera, the event's theme was the honey market of European countries bordering the Mediterranean--collabration or competition. According to a report of the meeting in "Il Produttore", information bulletin of the Professional Italian Apiculturalists Association, the meeting was opened by Mr. Lucio Cavazzoni, Italian representative to the EEC. Mr. Cavazzoni communicated to the delegates the importance of unified effort over southern Europe, proposed creation of a promotional campaign at the European level and suggested the possibility of developing new products based on honey. The French representative, Mr. Hornecker, lamented the fact that organization was still insufficient to regulate products at the European level. One reason is that only 7 or 8 of the 12 countries involved have agreed to proposals deregulating importation. Dr. Raymond Bornek, president of Apimondia, also proposed institutions of research at the European level which would provide a base for a variety of activities from new bee products to controlling "Varroa". Representatives from Spain and Portugal underlined the fact that their countries were still on the fringes of the EEC. Although much remains to be done concerning standardizing bee products, the meeting closed on a high note; all recognized the ecological value of the honey bee and its importance in the pollination of crops. FLORIDA STATE BEEKEEPERS TO MEET The Florida State Beekeepers Association will hold its annual meeting November 2,3 and 4 at Silver Lake Lodge in Ocala, Florida. The program will be published in the next issue of the Association's newsletter. For further information, contact the Executive Secretary, Ms. Eloise Cutts, 2237 NW 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605, ph 904/378-7719. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford 0312 IFAS 202 Newell Hall University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0312 Phone (904) 392-1801 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV Italian BITNET Address: SANFORD@ASTO1.BO.CNR.IT (until October 1, 1989) INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU DIALCOM Address: AGS559 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 23 Sep 89 15:15:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: JEJANS@VAX2.CONCORDIA.CA Subject: RE: September APIS--pls acknowledge receipt Got it. Thanks ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 26 Sep 89 20:48:00 N Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: INFN.IT domain is equivalent to BITNET domain: INFNET; INFNET has been disestablished Dec 31, 1988 From: SANFORD@ASTBO1.BO.CNR.IT Subject: October Apis--last from Italy--please acknowledge receipt FILENAME: OCTAPIS.T9X Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Volume 7, Number 10, October 1989 ON REMEMBRANCES Certain things are better remembered than others. This concept has been on my mind lately as I contemplate leaving Italy after a four-month faculty development grant. Mercifully, many of the stress filled moments of setting up living quarters in a different culture are now faint memories stuck away deep in my brain. It is far easier to remember the impromptu meals I was invited to, or those times when a special effort was made to help a foreigner get a better understanding of beekeeping in Italy and how it meshed with the culture. A particular incident comes to mind. On the spur of the moment, after arriving on the train from Bologna, Dr. Carlo Vidano at University of Torino invited Christy and I to go on an outing to Monte Bianco. This large snowcapper is one of the highest alps that separates France and Italy. During the trip, Dr. Vidano enthusiastically pointed out landmarks like old Roman stone supports still proping up vineyards and the large number of old castle ruins. He, along with Prof. A. Arzone and Dr. A. Alma who accompanied us, described in detail the characteristics of each little region as we traversed northern Italy's Valle D'Aosta. The views all along the route, especially those of a glacier actively calving very near the highway were spectacular. We also went through the tunnel (one of the longest in Europe) underneath the mountain that separates France from Italy to meet with a French colleague. Later, we were treated to a fine lunch of local specialties at one of the restaurants that dot the Valle D'Aosta. Finally, we visited the Alma residence and were presented with one of the best bottles of locally vinted wine. During our visit, Dr. Vidano mentioned he would be traveling in the United States in August. We were delightfully surprised, while watching CNN news in Bologna, to view a report featuring his visit to Beltsville, Maryland. I can still remember him animatedly talking about something dear to his heart, biological control of insects in Italian vineyards. While returning to Bologna last week, I was thinking about making a return visit to see Dr. Vidano and his colleagues just before I left Italy. Unfortunately, when I arrived, there was word that just the day before he had suddenly died. There was no warning. He simply went to his room in the pink of health and was found dead sometime later. I know no other details. Presumably there will be obituaries in the Italian bee journals and "Bee World," the organ of the International Bee Research Association (IBRA). Dr. Vidano was active in bee work for many years. He and his group have a worldwide reputation and a good number of publications in the field. I reported on many of the activies at Torino in a previous issue of this newsletter. Although he is gone now, I will always fondly remember that spectacular summer day when I was priviledged to accompany Dr. Vidano through the part of Italy that he knew and loved so well. VARROA IN ITALY--THE FLORIDA CONNECTION A major focus of my trip to Italy has been to determine how the beekeeping industry here is affected by the Varroa bee mite. I did not expect to find a magic solution to the mite problems facing U.S. beekeeping; there is none. Rather, I thought that detailed information on the Italian experience might provide some insight about the future of Varroa in Florida. As a counterpoint, when I mentioned that the mite has been found in the U.S., many those in Italy said they were waiting for a solution to come out of America. A prevailing thought here seems to be that because U.S. technology can put a human on the moon, it can also solve the worldwide Varroa problem. Since the arrival of Varroa in Italy in 1981, a great deal of effort has gone into searching for a solution to the problem. Many Italian papers have now been published on the mite and the country has hosted experts meetings on control measures. The scenario that emerges from all this is that the situation is currently stablized. For many Italian beekeepers, the immediate danger has passed. Several chemicals have been labelled and they are keeping mite populations at tolerable levels. Italy has also been active in collecting knowledge of mite infestations in other European countries. In May, 1987, an international meeting was held in Trento, Italy, near the Austrian and Yugoslavian border. Dr. F. Perschil from Freiburg, Germany provided information that Varroa was introduced in 1977. It proved impossible to contain the infestation in spite of quarantines and other regulatory measures. Factors influencing the spread of the mite included the fact that infestations were underestimated at the beginning and control measures were instituted too late, unevenly and "unprofessionally." At that time, Dr. Perschil stated it was possible to control the mite in Germany with chemical therapy, which included Folbex VA, Illertisser mite plates (IMP) and Perizin. Dr. R. Moosbeckhofer reported on the situation in Austria. Varroa was spreading rapidly and several tens of thousands of colonies had died. The same products as those for Germany were labelled in that country. Although the Yugoslavian situation was discussed at the Trento meeting, the text of what was said was not published in the proceedings. It is known, however, that Varroa has been in Yugoslavia since before 1980. Dr. J. Kulincevic in Belgrade has been working with U.S.D.A funding and assistance to breed European bees resistant to Varroa for the last few years. It is this stock that is being considered by for experimental introduction to an island off the Lousiana coast by the Baton Rouge bee laboratory. A later more comprehensive experts meeting was held in Udine, Italy, November, 1988, and the current situations in several other European countries were described. Varroa was first discovered in Switzerland near Basel in 1984. It rapidly spread throughout the country, except some isolated alpine valleys. Folbex VA, Apitol, Perizin and formic acid were being used to reduce mite populations. In Spain, the mite was first discovered in 1985 and by 1987 had spread to all parts of the country. In Portugal it was present in all bordering areas with Spain and on its north coast. One reason for the rapid spread in Spain was the predominantly warm climate which allows bees to rear brood all year long. The Italian Varroa experience mirrors that of many European countries. After discovery in 1981, the mite rapidly spread for a number of reasons including trade in nuclei and queens, collection of swarms of unknown origin, beekeeping techniques such as equalizing colonies and finally, robbing. The infestation worsened until 1983. It is estimated that some 10 to 20% reduction in hives occurred across the country. In southern Italy and Sardinia, 80-90% losses were reported. By 1988, Folbex VA (brompropylate), Perizin (coumaphos) and Apitol (cymiazole) were registered for control of the mite. Since then, fluvalinate has been added to the Italian beekeeper's chemical arsenal. There is now unanimity in Italy that beekeepers will have to learn to live with the mite. It is also agreed that only an integrated approach using breeding programs and beekeeping techniques, in conjunction with chemical control measures will effectively control mite populations. Unfortunately, effectiveness of control measures vary depending on climatic conditions. Thus, no single solution will work in Italy. In the south, where brood is reared all year around, I have been told that mites are already showing resistance to chemicals. One researcher said that some beekeepers have resorted to applying certain substances up to fifty times a year. Most scientists and beekeepers believe it is easier to control Varroa in northern Italy because there is a winter broodless period. Cultural control methods are also showing encouraging results. A major problem in Italy as elsewhere continues to be that of diagnosing the beginnings of a Varroa infestation. The one thing in print I have seen here that estimates levels of mite infestation comes from Germany. Details were published in the recent issue of the news of the AAPI (Associazione Apicoltori Professionisti Italiani). According to Dr. W. Ritter, cited by the article as speaking at the VII AAPI convention in Cecina, Italy, November 26, 1988, the following table shows an approximate infestation level correlated with natural fall of mites and the amount of drone and worker brood, and adult bees parasitized, and colony behavior. Natural Drone Worker Infestation Fallen Brood Brood Adults Colony Level Varroa Infested Infested Infested Behavior Low Less than One Not visible Not visible Normal 5/day Medium 5-10/day Frequent Rare Not visible Normal High 10-15/day Almost Frequent One Normal All Very Critical Over Complete EFB like Malformation Restless 15/day symptoms Disorganized Interpretation of the diagnostic formula above not only varies with climatic conditions, but also with the season of the year. For example, Dr. Ritter says, in July and August a 5% infestation of worker brood approaches the very critical stage, whereas in September and October the percentage can rise as high as 20% before reaching the same level. Nowhere in the article is found a recommendation of when to chemically intervene. Like Italy, the state of Florida was quickly overrun by mites in spite of quarantines and other measures instituted to control their spread. Florida beekeepers must now become aware of Varroa and realize it is a significant beekeeping problem. This realization took several years to develop in Italy after first detection; many beekeepers went out of business simply because they lacked sufficient information or were not motivated to control mite populations. As in Italy, there will probably be different mite control strategies based on location in Florida. The southern, tropical part of the state, where brood is present all year around, will presumably be more effected by Varroa than the north, where a short broodless period exists most years. The most dangerous time for a colony in Italy has been found to be after a honey flow, when there is a large amount of sealed brood and the queen has reduced egglaying. As this brood emerges, many adult Varroa also exit the cells; they quickly parasitize the remaining brood and decreased number of old adult bees, rapidly bringing the colony to the very critical stage. This will probably also be true in Florida. Florida beekeepers must begin to routinely monitor mite infestation levels. At this time, almost all beehives in Italy have been equipped with some form of Varroa trap on the bottom board. The trap is screened to prevent the bees from carrying off dead mites. The paper lining the trap is also greased so that live mites stick after falling on the surface. Italian beekeepers have also worked into their management procedures routine checks of brood and adults for parasitization. Cultural controls in Italy which show success should be experimented with in Florida. Of particular interest is periodic removal of parasitized sealed drone brood. A specific scheme developed in the Torino area provides a colony with a frame of drone comb foundation. A third of this comb with sealed larvae/pupae is then removed every eight days. Unfortunately, in both Italy and Florida, a necessary key ingredient to an effective integrated pest management program against Varroa is missing. The economic threshold level, below which it is not recommended nor uneconomical to resort to chemical control, is unknown. It now is apparent that such a level will only be determined after many years experience monitoring mite populations in bee colonies by both researchers and beekeepers in specific geographic regions. In the long run, however, determining threshold levels is indispensable before either Florida or Italy will be able to develop satisfactory long-range Varroa control programs. ROTHENBUHLER BEE LABORATORY AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY The new bee laboratory at The Ohio State University has been open for some time now, but has not had a name. According to a recent article in the campus newspaper, from now on the building will be called the Walter C. Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory. The university trustees have approved this to honor the professor emeritus who pioneered work in honey bee genetics during his 21 years as a faculty member at that institution. Many APIS readers have heard Dr. Rothenbuhler speak at bee meetings or read his papers published in the bee journals. I know they believe, as I do, that this action is more than justified. I can think of no finer gesture to honor Dr. Rothenbuhler, who continues to work even in retirement to make the Ohio State University apiculture program one of the best in the nation. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford 0312 IFAS 202 Newell Hall University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0312 Phone (904) 392-1801 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU DIALCOM Address: AGS559