From SYSAM@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDUMon May 22 07:15:32 1995 Date: Mon, 22 May 95 08:35:31 EDT From: Aaron Morris To: dicka@cuug.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 12:45:17 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick Mainly to Rainer Radtke about swarms. I was just reading two articles pertaining to your question about the "togetherness" in swarms of honey bees. You may want to check these out... Esch Z vergl Physiol 56:408-411. and Spangler et al 1990. Acoustical monitoring of honey bee swarms taking flight. Am Bee J Dec:813-814. ================================================================== º Edward E. Southwick Department of Biology º º Phone 716-395-5743 State University of New York º º FAX 716-395-2416 Brockport, New York 14420 º º BITNET SOUTHWIK@BROCK1P U.S.A. º ================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 11:32:57 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Jean M. Waggle" As a beginning beekeeper I was wondering what kind of information I should record on my hives. I have started a journal keeping track of the number of clear days for foraging, and other general conditions of the hive. Does any one have any suggestions on information I should gather and what I could use it for? I am trying both the Italian and the Caucasian honeybees, and I plan to compare them to see which produces better in this location. But I am also interested in any other studies that could be done. thanks, JM Waggle JWAGGLE@UA1VM.UA.EDU University of Alabama ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 16:46:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ed Beary Subject: GERMAN-ENGLISH DICTIONARY I need a dictionary to help me translate several papers for my thesis. I am working on foraging behavior and there are several papers I need to translate. Scientific german seems baffle the individuals who work with german literature. It did not help me either. So, if anyone knows of a good dictionary, let me know Ed Beary SUNY Geneseo ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 16:48:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: di5 Subject: Bacillus thuringiensis and bees The Washington Post today reported that many local municipalities will be spraying B.t. soon to control gypsy moths. Does anyone know what B.t. does (if anything) to bumblebees, honeybees, or solitary bees? ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 May 91 13:01:41 ARG Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Insectos Sociales Subject: Light in the dance I know papers by W. Edrich, Erlangen University (Germany) that focused his study in the relationship between the gravity and the artificial light in observation hives. One of these papers was published in Anim. Behav. around of 1970. In a next e-mail I will sent the exact references. Good luck. Walter Farina, University of Buenos Aires. Walter Farina, University of Buenos Aires. Insectos Sociales inssoc ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 May 91 15:58:39 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Edward E Southwick GOood German/English dictionary is the one by Louis DeVries publd by McGraw-Hill...German-English Science Dictionary. Your campus bookstore probably has it...(for Ed Beary mostly) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 10:10:57 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Stephen B. Bambara" Subject: german dictionary Mostly to Ed Beary- IBRA sells the Apimondia dictionary series of beekeeping terms. Vol. 5 contains English-French-German-Russian-Spanish Vol. 7 contains English-German-Dutch-Danish-Norwegian-Swedish There are over 1000 terms related to bees, beekeeping and plants translated in a volume. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 08:43:00 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Quelle barbe! Subject: Drumming the bees For only the second time in my (amateur) career as a beekeeper, I had a chance to "drum the bees" (that is, a a swarm of bees) into a hive box. Is there any literature about this technique or other information about it? I first heard about it from an old guy 15 years ago; did it once shortly thereafter when a swarm was already on the ground; second time day before yesterday with another swarm on the ground. I assume that "everybody else" already knows about it, but I'll be happy to supply more information if anyone wants it. Clint Darling @Catlin ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 13:30:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: Drumming the bees Mostly to Clint Darling--drumming the bees may have several effects on the insects. Perhaps this practice came from driving the bees out of old "gums" usually up into standard hives. Drumming also disorganizes them rather like smoke and they are less defensive. This may even lead to the practice of banging on pots, pans or other metal objects which reportedly makes a swarm decide to land..I'm sure there are a good many reports on this practice in the older bee literature..the next question becomes--will this work on the African honey bee? ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 13:36:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: nutrition studies I have just published a honey bee feeding in study in the second issue of Bee Science, "A Florida Honey-Bee Feeding Study Using the Beltsville Bee Diet," Vol. 1, no. 2, pp72-76. I am thinking of taking samples of bees over a season to monitor the natural proteins and fats in their bodies--has anyone seen other studies along this line. The Australians have done this by measuring crude protein percent, however, the percent is a problem and so lipids are also of interest. Any iformation on this issue would be appreciated. If you wish a copy of the study, drop me a line....Tom Sanford, Dept. Entomology-Nematology, University of Florida, Bldg 970, Gainesville, FL 32611-0740--ph 904/392-1801, ext 143. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 13:46:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: April Issue of Apis, please acknowledge receipt to MTS@IFASGNV FILENAME: APRAPIS.91 Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues (ISSN 0889-3764) Volume 9, Number 4, April 1991 PACKAGE BEES AND APISTAN (R) Mr. Laurence Cutts, Florida's Chief Apiary Inspector, is trying to determine whether a need exists for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs to apply for an emergency exemption (Section 18) to use the old formulation of APISTAN (R) plastic strips to ship package bees. The question arises because most states, except Florida and Wisconsin, require that package bees be treated with APISTAN (R) for entry. Florida's package bee industry was devastated in the 1980s by discovery of tracheal mites, coupled with introduction of Varroa. It is now a small enterprise, but as the rest of the states become infested with mites and the southern tier is invaded by African bees, there may again be opportunity to develop a package industry. The use of APISTAN (R) will continue to be required by other states and would be an asset to any Florida package bee producer. However, a label must be applied for and there is a time lag. The Department will not apply if there is no demand. Thus, if there is interest in securing a label for subsequent shipping seasons (it is too late for this year), please let Mr. Cutts know through your local bee inspector or directly at P.O. Box 1269, Gainesville, FL 30602, ph 904/372-3505, ext 128. AFRICAN BEES--THE CASE OF MISINFORMATION I am continually amazed by misinformation in the media concerning the African bee. My mother-in-law sent me an article from the Atlanta Constitution, April 9, 1991, which is a showcase example of what gets into print. The title of the article, "The Battle of the Bees," starts things off on a confusing note. Does the phrase mean people are battling bees or that there is internecine warfare among the insects themselves? The most eyecatching part of the article is a photograph showing two bees side by side. The caption reads: "Looks deceive: An Africanized bee (left) and a honeybee (right) look the same, but are different in temperament." The rather dark photo shows that the insects do look similar, but the caption implies that the Africanized bee is not a honey bee. This perpetuates the myth that African bees are so different, they aren't honey bees at all. The most problematic thing about the African bee phenomenon is that both are honey bees and there's really very little difference between them. If the African variety had two heads instead of one, and a stinger three inches long, there wouldn't be the controversy that exists today among different groups concerning its impact on beekeepers and the rest of society. A few other quotes are worth noting. "The first signs of an invasion came last October, when a swarm of 3,000 of the bees crossed from Mexico and tried to set up a hive near the Texas city of Hidalgo." To the average person, 3,000 bees is excessive. Put in perspective, however, the total weight of that many bees is less than a pound. It takes three times as many individuals bees to make a package for shipment through the mail. This size swarm is the kind that would be classified as marginal and unlikely to survive by a potential beekeeper collector. "In Texas, the anticipated coming of the bees, which are so aggressive in their swarming behavior that they are popularly known as 'k----- bees,' has caused public anxiety." It's not so much the bees as this statement that causes anxiety. Swarming behavior is not aggressive. Swarms of bees are passive regardless of their genetics because they have no home to defend. The source of this quote is probably that African bees are more aggressive swarmers, meaning they swarm more than European bees. "A group of African bees escaped from a Brazilian lab and began breeding with domestic bees, resulting in a fierce hybrid prone to swarming and delivering multiple stings to victims. Hordes of the bees have since been moving north." Given what we know about the news business these days, it is understandable that the words "fierce","hordes", and "victims" have been overemphasized in this article, but the use of "multiple stings" is the most obvious error. All honey bees sting only once; the stinger remains in the victim; the venom is the same. The term probably came from a source saying that many more Africanized bees usually attack. In fact, the article is accompanied by graphs showing both reaction and cooling off times associated with the two kinds of bees. The former is 3 seconds for African bees compared to 19 seconds for "honeybees" and the latter is 2 to 3 minutes for "honeybees" but one-half hour or more for Africanized bees. "Africanized bees have been blamed for stinging to death hundreds of people in Latin America, and have been the subject of at least five horror movies." No source is credited for the first statement. However, the fact that the bees have been featured in horror movies seems to be enough justification for it. If we continued this line of thought, we might conclude that all people are just like the crazies featured in other horror movies like "Psycho", "Friday the Thirteenth", and "Nightmare on Elm Street." The article discusses a few prominent naysayers who have publicly declared the African bee's reputation to be a "bum rap." This provides the kind of controversy that the press revels in. To give the writer some credit, at least the fact that honey bees pollinate crops is explained: "Georgia farmers and fruit growers use honeybees extensively to pollinate...The colonies are placed in the field to spread pollen." Does this indicate the colonies are the source of pollen, rather than the bees simply transferring it? After having given numerous interviews concerning the African bee situation, it is easy to commiserate with whomever the sources were that were contacted by the article's writer. I do not know how many times my comments have been misinterpreted and I have been misquoted on this issue. However, I continue to provide information in the hope that it will be used effectively. To this end, I am updating Hint for the Hive #114, "Information on the African Honey Bee." If you would like a copy, I'll send you one on request when it is reprinted. For those who might want to further investigate the situation, a book has just been published by Westview Press. It is edited by M. Spivak, D. Fletcher and M. Breed and is called: The "African" Honey Bee. The volume includes some 424 pages and includes chapters on Systematics and Identification, The Spread of Africanized Bees and the Africanization Process, Population Biology, Ecology and Diseases, Defensive Behavior and Beekeeping in South America. The book was published in January, 1991 and is the most up-to-date volume in its field. It is available in hardback only and costs $55.00, although a flier sent to me advertises a reduction of 20% to $44.00. For information, contact Westview Press, Customer Service Department, 5500 Central Ave., Boulder, CO 80301, ph 303/444-3541. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. BEEKEEPERS INSTITUTE It's not too early to plan to attend the Annual Beekeepers Institute at 4-H Camp Ocala. The dates are August 22 through 24. I have invited Dr. KeithDelaplane, the new Extension Apiculturist at the University of Georgia, to be our featured guest speaker. Dr. Delaplane is the author of "Strictly for the Hobbyist," written monthly in American Bee Journal. His presence should add substantially to the Institute. Brochures advertising the event along with registration forms will be coming your way shortly. EAS MEETS IN NORTH CAROLINA If you are in the Carolinas this summer, be sure to take in the Eastern Apicultural Society's meeting in New Bern, North Carolina. The meeting is scheduled for July 22 through 26, 1991. The first two days will be a short course in beekeeping followed by two more days of annual meeting. A host of speakers has been lined up including Francois Huber, the 18th century Swiss naturalist and beekeeper, who has elected to return specifically for this conference. For registration information, contact Dr. John Ambrose, P.O. Box 7626, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7626, ph 919/737-8183. APIMONDIA IN YUGOSLAVIA This year Apimondia, the thirty-third World Apicultural Congress, will meet in Split, Yugoslavia on the Adriatic coast. The dates are September 24 through October 1, 1991. I have just received registration information from the organizers. If you are interested in a copy, drop me a line. HONEY RECIPES The National Honey Board has released two collections of recipes that are available to the industry for promotional purposes. The results of the Woman's Day recipe contest are published in the booklet: "Honey: The Natural Winner." It includes the three top recipes and thirteen runner ups. This slick brochure contains information on how to make various breads, muffins, pies and main courses. There's even a recipe for fudgesicles. Copies are available at $.50 each. "Honey, The Golden Touch" is an update of the popular brochure published by the National Honey Board. It highlights sauces, toppings and spreads. This publication of seven recipes is being made available without cost to assessment-paying supporters of the board. Each supporter is limited to 1,000 per calendar year. State and local beekeeping associations may also receive supplies for fairs, annual meetings and other events. It is suggested that providing a copy of "Honey, The Golden Touch" with each jar of honey sold is a good way to keep your customers coming back. For ordering information on either of the brochures above, contact Gretchen Frederick, National Honey Board, 421 21st Ave. #203, Longmont, CO 80501-1421, ph 303/776-2337. PANHANDLE FEEDING STUDY "A Florida Honey-Bee Feeding Study Using the Beltsville Bee Diet (R)" has just been published in Bee Science, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp 72-76. This study was done with the cooperation of Warren Johnson, bee inspector for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It was an outgrowth of the unexplained bee loss suffered in the Panhandle area from 1986-1988. The abstract reads as follows: "Large-scale honey bee colony dieoffs (up to 90%) occurred during 1986, 1987 and 1988 in Florida's panhandle near Tallahassee. Causes for these events were unknown, but the honey bee tracheal mite (recently introduced), chronic pollen shortage and other factors were suspected. A feeding study was designed to test for nutritional deficits. Sixty-nine pairs of colonies were selected by beekeepers in the area and managed identically except that one of each pair was fed the Beltsville Bee Diet (R). The majority of colonies fed the diet consumed it, but the data gathered were inconclusive concerning the effects of the experimental treatment. Many factors may have influenced the results, including incomplete reporting by beekeeper-participants. Cloudy wing virus was found in one and chronic paralysis virus in two of eight samples examined from colonies in the process of dieoff." The paper provides a summary of the problems encountered and a detailed explanation of the research methods and results. If you would like a copy, drop me a line. CITIZEN AMBASSADORS The Citizen Ambassador Program is looking for a few good beekeepers. An international delegation to China is planned for August. The goal is to provide opportunities to develop interactions that would be productive to beekeepers and scientists of both China and the U.S. Specific topics of interest include: comparing apicultural research and management procedures in both countries and developing avenues of information exchange. Dr. Jim Tew, Extension Apiculturist, The Ohio State University will lead the tour. It is scheduled for August 11 through 29, 1991. Estimated cost per person is $4950. The tour will travel to Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong. For more information, contact Max Gerber, Director Agricultural Projects, Citizen Ambassador Program, Dwight D. Eisenhower Bldg., Spokane, WA 99202, ph 509/534-0430 or Dr. Jim Tew, Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster, OH 44691, ph 216/345-8336. BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSES Three short courses in beekeeping are being offered by the Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster, OH this summer: Basic Beekeeping (May 3-4), Diseases (June 7-8) and Queen Production (June 21-22). These classes can be taken for credit or without credit. For information, contact Sherry Ferrell, OSU Cooperative Extension Service, ATI, Wooster, OH 44691, ph 216/264-3911. BEE SCIENCE A new journal dedicated to bees and beekeeping is now being published by Wicwas Press. It's entitled Bee Science and will be published quarterly. This will be a bonafide scientific journal; papers in Bee Science will be peer reviewed. The publication will also contain special features, including a section on understanding bee science which will try to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists. It will also report on industry news and events. This is the first "all bee" scientific journal to be published in North America. According to Dr. Connor, there is an increase in the number of papers being published about bees and pollination, reflecting the fascination many scientists have with bees and the pressure to study critical problem areas. Bee Science will provide the necessary space to rapidly get these papers into print. The focus of the publication is speed and as such, the editor asks for copy to be sent on computer diskette. be published quarterly The subscription cost of Bee Science is a reasonable $20.00. It is a must for those who want sophisticated, yet comprehensible information on the honey bee and other related hymenoptera. For up-to-date information on ordering, contact Wicwas Press, P.O. Box 817-L, Cheshire, CT 60410-0817, ph 203/250- 7575. Credit cards are accepted. EVENTS AT THE IBRA Some of you may not yet know that there has been a leadership change at the International Bee Research Association (IBRA). The new Director is Mr. Andrew Matheson from New Zealand. Mr. Matheson brings a good deal of experience to the job according to a recent profile in Bee World. He was responsible for managing all the Ministry of Agricultural Fisheries (MAF) beekeeping services in New Zealand. These included inspection, consultation and education of beekeepers, as well as supervising the management of many colonies under MAF's control. The IBRA is the world's center of beekeeping information. It publishes Bee World, Journal of Apicultural Research, and Apicultural Abstracts. Presently, the Association is located in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Mr. Matheson's first priority will be to strengthen the Association's financial base. He also will be involved in organizing symposia and conferences. IBRA is now in the planning stages for the next conference on apiculture in tropical climates to be held on the island of Trinidad in 1992. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford 0740 IFAS, Bldg 970 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0740 Phone (904) 392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX: 904-392-0190 BITNET Address: MTS@IFASGNV INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 11:12:29 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Dr. James H. Hunt" Subject: Re: nutrition studies In-Reply-To: Message of Fri, 3 May 91 13:36:00 EST from With regard to seasonal studies of bee nutrition/nutrient content, some information is available in: Grogan, D.E. and J.H. Hunt. 1984. Chymotrypsin- like activity in the honeybee midgut: patterns in a three-year study. J. Apic. Res. 23:61-63. We documented seasonal changes, correlations between hives within years, and absence of correlation within hives between years. We suggest that the patterns are affected by nutrition, most likely the enzyme activity of ingested pollen. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 16:58:59 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Subject: Re: Bacillus thuringiensis and bees In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 1 May 91 16:48:00 EDT from All report on B.t. are that it is harmless to honeybees. I don't know if it has been tested on bumbles or solitaries. I doubt that it will affect them. B.t. is highly specific to target. Peter. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 14:28:06 ARG Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Insectos Sociales Subject: light in the bee's dance The paper that talking abaut this interaction is: Edrich, W. (1977). Interaction of light and gravity in the orientation of the waggle dance of honeybees. Anim. Behav., 25, 342-363. Good luck, Walter Farina Good luck, Walter Farina Insectos Sociales inssoc ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 17:10:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Ed Beary Subject: Re: Drumming the bees I am interested. Please send me a description or where I can find it Thanks Ed ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 15:01:20 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Larry Rebarchik Subject: Re: Drumming the bees Send information this way too. Thanks, Larry Rebarchik ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 19:36:00 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Quelle barbe! Subject: Re: Drumming the bees Mostly to Judy, Ed, and Larry who asked for more information about drumming bees: If a swarm is ON the ground so you can't pick it up and shake or dump it into a hive box, try placing a hive on the ground right beside the swarm. Then begin to tap, beat, drum, steadily on the hive cover, one beat every two or three seconds. In a fairly short period of time (5-15 mins?), the bees will begin to orient themselves in the direction of the hive entrance and then will begin to march right in! Someties after a bit, they will just FLOOD in so fast they block up the entrance and will need to be brushed down again. The nivce part is being able to see the queen waddle right along in there. If you don't want to watch after they've started to enter the hive, just leave, but I have stuck around and thumped on the hive for five mins or so even after they started entering. Hope this helps. Good luck: may all your swarms be two feet off the ground, very large, and very gentle. Clint D. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 May 91 14:35:35 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Stephen B. Bambara" Subject: DRUMMING TO ALL YOU BEE DRUMMERS: I don't have any scientific references to drumming, but the practice was very common at the turn of the century. Check any circa 1900 ABC & XYZ of beekeeping under the heading of "transferring bees". Beekeepers used drumming in transferring bees from "gums" or plank hives into the Langstroth contraption. Another comment on a different note (pun intended); if you have a swarm on the ground and place a hive next to it, in a few moments they will troop into the box without drumming. It may be odor, a dark hole, the urge to climb, or who knows what, but they will usually enter unassisted. After the first few go inside, scent fanning starts and helps cue the others. There may be a lot more involved. Lastly, one story I've heard about "tanging" for bees (banging on an object to make a swarm alight) is that it was done by people to stake their claim on an airborne swarm. It meant that they saw it first and for others to keep hands off as they would run through the village chasing it. Oddly enough, if you bang long enough, the swarm lands. It's a miracle! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 8 May 91 10:22:57 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Gary R. Thrapp" Subject: Novice wants to learn about honey Hello. I'm new to this interest group. I am not a bee keeper but I am interested in exchanging mail with any bee keepers that may help me learn more about honey and perhaps even have some for sale. I am particularly interested in any keepers who take special care that their honey source is not pesticide sprayed crops and that do not cook or heat their honey. I have been using about a five pound can of honey every two weeks. The honey I have been buying is commercial and it says that it is blended from different sources. I have noticed that there is honey from different plant sources that have differing colors and I suspect they have differing flavors. If you would be interested in telling a novice a little about the different types of honey and especially if you sell your own honey please send me email. Thank you very much. ------------------------------------------------------------- Gary R. Thrapp San Diego, CA DDN: thrapp@nosc.mil UUCP: sdcsvax!nosc!thrapp ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 May 91 08:50:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: On honey Mostly to Gary Thrapp: A book of honey, $9.95 available from Bes-Wicwas Press, P.O. Box 817 L, Cheshire, CT 06410-0817, ph 203/250-7575. Written by Dr. Eva Crane. Also a hardback, Honey -- AComprehensive Survey, $75.00...add a dollar for postage--mc Visa accepted. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 9 May 91 17:24:32 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Subject: Re: Novice wants to learn about honey In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 8 May 91 10:22:57 PDT from The best source of infor on Honey is Eva Crane's encyclopaedic account: Honey: A Comprehensive Review published in 1973 by Crane, Russak in N.Y. I suspect the book is still available, but may be expensive. You could check with your local library or book store. Cheers, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 12 May 91 16:34:04 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: EISIK@TAUNOS.BITNET Subject: Re: Novice wants to learn about honey In-Reply-To: Message of Thu, 9 May 91 17:24:32 EST Dear Peter, Can you please send me the address of Chris Plowrigh ? How things are going with you? all the best to Sherrene, Cheers dini. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 May 91 03:21:00 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Rolf G. Roxin" <0002359627@MCIMAIL.COM> Subject: Carpenter bees Dear sirs, Our dwelling on Long Island has been host for many years to what have been referred to as "Carpenter bees". Please furnish me with the complete information regarding habitat, life cycles, and most important- -ly, how the control these insects. Sincerely, Rolf G. Roxin RROXIN@mcimail.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 May 91 18:36:01 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jonathan Beard <72301.563@COMPUSERVE.COM> Subject: seeking bee path mapper Dear Bee Liners, about a year ago I talked to a woman in Texas, I THINK her name was Makela who was working on using digitized maps with weather and elevation info in them to predict the flyways=paths that would be taken by the dread African bees as they move north. I have lost her name and number from my computer. does anyone know who I mean? jonathan beard ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 May 91 12:47:19 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: EISIK@TAUNOS.BITNET Subject: Re: Carpenter bees In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 15 May 91 03:21:00 GMT Dear Sir, Prof. D. Gerling, is an expert on Carpenters bee, you may apply to him Dep. of Zoology Tel Aviv Univ. Tel Aviv, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel, wish you al l the best, Dan Eisikowitch. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 16 May 91 07:19:00 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: KESLER@RHODES.BITNET I am curious about how honey bees use the sun in latitudes between the equator and 20 degrees latitude. If bees transported over the equator cannot compensate for the change in the sun's position, how do bees compensate when the solar equator passes overhead? ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 20 May 91 11:18:52 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Merry Makela Subject: Subscription to bee-line I tried a month or two ago to get onto BEE-L but was unsuccessful. My husband who is neither a bee person nor a hacker is on BEE-L and calls me on the phone to read my his BEE-L mail. This is embarrassing. Please add my name and address to your mailing list. My bitnet address is makela%kelsun1.tamu.edu@TAMVM1 and my internet address is makela@kelsun1.tamu.edu. Very sincerely, Merry Makela, Research Scientist ========================================================== Merry Makela | makela@kelsun1.tamu.edu Knowledge Engineering Lab | Department of Entomology Texas A&M University | makela%kelsun1.tamu.edu@TAMVM1 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 May 91 12:13:13 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Herbie Hind Subject: Today (Tues) New York Times In today's "Science Times" section, there is an article entitled "In Defense of the Hive: A Soldier Squad Lurks Among the Honeybees" ---------------------------------------------------------------- MacPhil iqti400@indycms.bitnet iqti400@indycms.iupui.edu 1-800-972-8744 x40836 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 21 May 91 15:58:44 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan In-Reply-To: Message of Thu, 16 May 91 07:19:00 CST from The best piece of research on the activities of bees in the tropics, and their foraging when the sun is directly overhead was published by Cam Jay in J. Apicultural Research. You may be able to get a reprint by writing to him at Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Cheers, Peter Kevan. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 May 91 09:42:02 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: Carpenter bees In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 15 May 91 03:21:00 GMT from <0002359627@MCIMAIL.COM> Carpenter bees (mostly the genus Xylocopa) are often pests because they bore into wood. The female bees have very sharp mandibles and bore a tunnel to accomodate themselves and their nest cells. Within the tunnels they provision the cells with pollen and nectar in a ball or loaf. They lay a single egg on each mass of provisions and seal up the cell. The egg develops through several larval stages and most likely stops in a "pre-pupal" stage in our region for the winter. In spring, development resumes, metamorphosis takes place, and the new adults emerge (males and females) in the summer. Mating probably takes place soon after the adults emerge. The cycle then starts again. The bees are remarkable in that the females, when in high density in particular pieces of wood have an uncanny way of not boring into each others' tunnels. Perhaps they sound the wood as they bore. Also, in planks, their tunnels will not emerge out of the back as the bees will angle the tunnel down. Often the tunnel is shaped like an upside down "L". I suppose the shape offers protection against water entry during rain as well. The species of Xylocopa which extends into the NE USA and even into Southern Ontario is X. (Xylocopoides) virginica virginica (Linnaeus). There is another subspecies of this species in the SE and another species X. (Schonherria) micans Lepeletier in the SE. I hope that answers the biological questions. Getting rid of them is another matter and certainly difficult without chemicals or lots of effort. You could let me know what your approach might be. Cheers, Peter Kevan, U of Guelph, Ont. Canada N1G 2W1 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 May 91 11:10:09 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MDO@NIHNEI31.BITNET Subject: Re: Honeybees in house |Date: 5-22-91 11:04am |From: MDO:NEI31:NIH | To: ¤BEE-L@ALBNYVM1‡:BITNET |Subj: Re: Honeybees in house ------------------------------------------------------------------ A neighbor of mine in Maryland asked me for assistance in removing a colony of honeybees from her the walls of her house (since I keep a few hives down the road she thought I might be able to help). They enter through a hole in the outer wall at the second story level and have set up shop in the wall. Evidently a swarm moved in about 6 weeks ago. What are the options other than chemicals, and if chemicals must be used, what are the preferred ones and how should they be applied. Thanks. Mike Oberdorfer ¤mdo@nihnei31‡:bitnet ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 May 91 10:11:17 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MacPhil Subject: Re: Honeybees in house In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 22 May 91 11:10:09 EDT from On Wed, 22 May 91 11:10:09 EDT said: > >A neighbor of mine in Maryland asked me for assistance in removing a >colony of honeybees from her the walls of her house (since I keep a few >hives down the road she thought I might be able to help). They enter >through a hole in the outer wall at the second story level and have set >up shop in the wall. Evidently a swarm moved in about 6 weeks ago. >What are the options other than chemicals, and if chemicals must be >used, what are the preferred ones and how should they be applied. >Thanks. On a similar, but different note: does anyone have advice or experience (seriously, now) about people wanting to keep bees in the house in a hive. I have talked off-and-on to a local keeper who said he knows of a number of people who keep hives successfully in their garage or other location and create a pathway discretely away so the neighbors are not aware. This has me very curious. Also, he said that some people have found it interesting to put an empty hive out whereever it will be located about a month before they are really going to start. When people complain that there are problems, more bees, more stinging, etc. it can be easily demonstrated that it's psychological because the hive is empty. ---------------------------------------------------------------- MacPhil iqti400@indycms.bitnet iqti400@indycms.iupui.edu 1-800-972-8744 x40836 ---------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 May 91 10:01:00 PST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: KIRK VISSCHER Subject: removing bees from house If bees have occupied the wall of a building, you have several options: Often the best solution is to do nothing. The bees have often been in place for several years before they are discovered, and have not caused problems. If the entrance is high or out-of-the-way, so that the flight of the bees doesn't intersect human traffic, there is often no problem. If the bees must go, it is critical to realize that you are dealing with an entire nest as well as the adult bees. A serious mistake is to poison the bees, and nothing else. These leaves behind several pounds of dead bees, several pounds of brood, potentially many pounds of honey and wax. This will attract vermin, decay and stink, and the combs can melt and the honey cause considerable damage to interior finish. Therefore, if the bees must go, the nest must also be removed. Bees can be removed without killing them in two ways. The wall can be opened, and the combs removed with the bees (Use rubber bands to hold the combs into empty frames, after cutting them roughly to size). If all the combs are removed and the queen is transferred, the remaining bees will join the hive if it is left near the original site for a day. A shop vacuum can be used to collect bees from the cavity, but some vacs kill many bees because the air moves so fast and the sides of the hose are rough. Don't underestimate the difficulty of this approach! It requires skill at carpentry and beekeeping, and makes a considerable mess. It does, however, work. Alternatively, the bees can be "trapped out" of the wall. a long cone of wire mesh is attached to the entrance (and this must be the ONLY entrance), with a hole in the end just big enough to allow a bee out. This serves as a one-way door, so that foragers cannot find their way back into the colony. Then a trap hive is set up right next the entrance (supported on a bracket on the wall, if need be), with combs and brood and a queen. The excluded foragers join this colony, and the colony within the wall gradually weakens, though it can persist on its stores for quite some time. Ultimately, the lack of incoming pollen will curtail brood rearing inside, and it will gradually die out. When it is nearly gone, the cone can be removed, and the bees outside will rob out honey remaining in the colony. At that point the trap hive is removed, and the nest in the wall can then be removed (or, with some risk, the entrances to the cavity can be sealed, leaving the hopefully empty beeswax combs inside. The bees in the wall can also be poisoned, and then the wall can be opened, and the nest and dead bees removed. It is not simple to get insecticide into the nest so that all bees are killed. In any removal, an important point is that bees will be attracted to nest again in any cavity that has been occupied. Thus the cavity should be filled with insulation, and all cracks leading to it should be sealed. Beekeepers are called on to remove bees from building walls, and some make this a sideline or even full time business. The job is not worth doing for less than $100, and I have spoken with people who charge $700 to $1000 for it! It is interesting to do a few times, but is mighty tough way to make increase. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 22 May 91 14:16:05 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Piotr Subject: Re: removing bees from house In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 22 May 91 10:01:00 PST from I concur with Kirk's comments. While I was at the U of Colorado in Colorado Springs I was asked about bees in the walls of one of the Univ. buildings. The entrance was well out of the way. I gave much the same advice to the Grounds people. They knew better, poisoned the bees, which had been in the walls for years, and ended up with an amazing mess on the inside of the building as the combs melted and honey flowed through the plaster and over the class-room floor in the building! What jolly fun! Peter Kevan, U of Guelph, Canada. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 23 May 91 21:01:47 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: sbambara@NCEXTC.CES.NCSU.EDU Subject: KEEPING BEES IN HOUSES To those interested in keeping bees in houses, here is two-cents worth. During the early through late 1800s there were many fancy wooden hive designs patented. Some were more like furniture and kept inside the house with an entrance open to the outside. The back of the hive could be opened to "easily" remove the honey boxes in which the bees were forced to build comb. The same trend to keeping bees in houses could be seen in England as people moved from skeps to wooden moveable frame hives. If you check the journals in the late 1800s and early 1900s you may find designs for such houses. However, the articles are not really recommendations for keeping bees in that manner. Of course bees are kept in houses with observation hives, but the hives are usually taken outside for manipulation. But to finally answer your question, keeping bees inside a building is not a practice I would recommend. (I'm not referring to overwintering bees in shelters (or clamps) in northern climates.) Depending on your building, you may have to contend with high temperatures in the summer. Using a lighted smoker in a closed building makes breathing difficult. Lighting may also be a problem. Sometimes it is hard enough to find a queen when a hive is in the shade. When the hive is opened, bees will fly to a light or window. You would need to provide escape vents so trapped bees can get out. There will be some dead bees all over the floor. You will sweat profusely in the summer unless the building is air conditioned. My suggestion would be to construct a lean-to against the garage or a shed structure with one wall removed. You can then grow a hedge or build a fence to conceal the contents (hives) and to force the bees to fly above head level. Good luck. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 May 91 09:25:43 -0100 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "W.D.J. Kirk" Subject: beehouses While beehives are normally kept outside in Canada, USA and UK, it is common practice to keep beehives indoors in much of Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia and neighbouring areas. The houses are specially constructed bee houses. Presumably the beekeepers have overcome the problems of handling and smoking the bees in a confined space and high temperatures in summer. I have always assumed that bee houses were used because of the low temperatures in winter. William Kirk, University of Keele, UK. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 May 91 08:40:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: More about bees in houses Dr. E. Jaycox recommended some time ago (he's now retired) that African bees could also be kept in bee houses in urban areas. Some barrier that prevents the guard bees at the entrance from getting to the beekeeper-manipulator was the idea...sort of a back door entrance idea to avoid overdefensiveness and problems with returning foragers at the active entrance. I would agree that ventilation is a key issue in the warm season; for bees and beekeepers! ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 May 91 11:08:00 -0300 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: RAINER@SBU.UFRGS.ANRS.BR Porto Alegre, 24 May 1991 Does anybody know the recent addresses (mail, bitnet) of either LUBY, Julia M.; REGNIER, Fred E.; CLARKE, Eric T. or WEAVER, Elizabeth C and Nevin ? They worked on stingless bees in the seventies. Is anyody familiar with Trigona pectoralis which lives (at least) in Mexico ? Thank you. Rainer Radtke PUC, Lab. Pesq. Biologicas Av. Ipiranga, 6681 90.620 Porto Alegre, RS Bitnet: Rainer@SBU.UFRGS.ANRS.BR Brasil ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 24 May 91 14:41:00 PDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Quelle barbe! Subject: RE: beehouses When I was traveling in Yugoslavia in 1985, I stopped at a house where a beekeeper had a beehouse in his back yeard. Although I spoke no Slav, we did manage to communicate a bit. He gave me a couple of photographs of a truck he had converted into a traveling beehouse. If some of you would like a copy, send me a snailmail address and I'll try to oblige. Clint Darling ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 25 May 91 14:15:00 MST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: KEARNS_C@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU Subject: bar codes Does anyone know the reference to work done (by Buchmann?) on using bar-code labels to identify honeybee foragers as they return to the hive (and pass under a bar-code reader)? ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 10:55:00 U Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: T9604002@TWNTUCC1.BITNET Subject: help about insects in BITNET Dear sir/madam, I am a freshman in DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY of NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY (nodename @twntucc1). I am interested in insects. So I want to take part in the discussion groups in BITNET. When I search the keyword "insect" and "entomology", no listserv name I found. I found bee-l only at keyword "bee". I found over 20 listserv about biology too. But since each groups will brings me a lot of mail files, I must join in carefully. ====> I want to know other listserv dissusion groups name about insects and which database provided information services about insects? and I want to know more "touchable way" about insects in BITENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COOPERATION! a freshman in entomology, Lawrence Lai T9604002@TWNTUCC1 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 14:25:13 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: help about insects in BITNET In-Reply-To: Message of Mon, 27 May 91 10:55:00 U from Yes, a brand new List for entomology has started and I welcome you to join: Send your message to LISTSERV@VM.UOGUELPH.CA asking to subscribe in the text of your message by sub entomo-l your name Best Wishes, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 14:32:03 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: Re: bar codes In-Reply-To: Message of Sat, 25 May 91 14:15:00 MST from BarCodes on Bees: Yes, I think you are correct that Steve Buchman did that work. It was written up in Agricultural Research a couple or more years ago for popular consumption. Steve is at the Carl Hayden Lab. USDA, Tucson AZ. Contacting him directly would be the thing to do. Cheers, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 19:01:22 GMT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: sbambara@NCEXTC.CES.NCSU.EDU Mostly to Kearns: These are not the bar-code references but two articles of possible interest are in the Journal of Apicultural Research Vol. 29, No. 1. Marceau et al. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIVE PRODUCTIVITY AND HONEYBEE FLIGHT ACTIVITY Liu et al. AUTOMATED MONITORING OF FLIGHT ACTIVITY AT A BEEHIVE ENTRANCE USING INFRARED LIGHT SENSORS Both have related lists of references. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 15:50:22 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Peter Kevan Subject: entomo-l Dear Bee-Liners: For those interested in more general entomological information, you may wish to subscribe to an entomological notice board. You may do this by sending your E-mail message to: LISTSERV@VM.UOGUELPH.CA and putting in the text of the message the following: sub entomo-l your name This is a new notice board established from the U of Guelph to facilitate the exchange of entomological information, ideas, views, and activities. Best wishes, Peter Kevan ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 28 May 91 16:55:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: May issue of APIS--please acknowledge receipt to mts@ifasgnv.bitnet FILENAME: MAYAPIS.91 Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues (ISSN 0889-3764) Volume 9, Number 5, May 1991 AFRICAN BEES The big news continues to be African honey bees. Some 23 swarms have now been captured and destroyed, according to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). With interception of these, trap lines are being repositioned in Texas and more APHIS personnel have been sent to the "front lines" to run the traps. The Texas legislature is in the process of deciding whether or not to spend some $197,000 on "combating the bees," according to one press report. Other interceptions are occurring at ports. One swarm was found aboard the Ecuadorian freighter, Ciudad de Quito. Another has been reported in a Florida port on a ship from Guatemala, but has not yet been confirmed as African. Expect more sightings in the future; they can only increase as swarming season continues. Although the bees are far away from Florida, they are still making a splash in the headlines. The Fort Myers News Press ran a couple of articles entitled: "'Killer' honey bees near U.S. Border," and "South Texas already feeling impact of 'killer bees'." Mr. Gary Duke sent copies of the articles along with the notation that they are making people a "little nervous" in the area. Again, expect this to continue. There have been a few requests for the new ENY 114, "Information on the African Honey Bee." It will be forthcoming to all county offices on CD ROM and will be placed on the ONLINE facility of the IFAS Computer Network. Two pieces of evidence have been published recently reconfirming the fact that the U.S. can look forward to a future hybridized population of African-European stock. Dr. Jose Villa and colleagues showed that five of nine Africanized colonies, but no European or Africanized-European crosses, died during a fairly mild winter in Germany (Environmental Entomology, Vol. 20, April, 1991). Africanized colonies also had higher worker attrition rates over the period. This suggests, according to the authors, a possible reduction in adverse effects by the Africanized bee as its range expands into the temperate U.S. and Canada. It is also thought that genes for wintering are "additive" and this will permit separate levels of hybridization for different ecological zones, complicating predictions on the bee's climatic limits. Another study by Dr. W. Sheppard and associates takes a closer look at bee populations in Argentina (Nature, Vol. 349, Feb. 28, 1990). The results tend to confirm that zones of African-derived populations exist in northern Argentina, ranging from total African saturation in the north to a mixed African-European zone, finally to a total European area in the south. This appears to also confirm that limited hybridization occurs in the tropics. The study used three analyses: mitochondrial DNA, morphological (physical measurements), and other biochemicals called isozymes. All bees used in this study were from feral or wild colonies. The final word is not in yet on the hybridization issue, however. In the first study, out of necessity, only a few colonies were used: nine Africanized, eight European and five Africanized- European, a total of 22. It is difficult to generalize what happened to these specific colonies to any bee population as a whole; this is an inherent problem in all bee research. Even though the population of African bees might be limited in northern areas, an equal amount of reduction of the bee's "adverse effects" cannot necessarily be taken for granted. In the second study, the sample size was much higher and the authors are presently doing a great deal more analysis on other finds. Both the studies rely principally on morphometrics to identify which bees go in which group to begin with. Dr. H. Daly, who developed the technique, said in a recent interview in Science that he is not sure that what is seen morphometrically is evidence of hybridization. The use of a variety of identification techniques to further confirm these categories would have made a stronger case. Finally, no identification techniques have yet to be fully correlated with behavior, which is really what concerns both the beekeeping and general public. The results above tend to affirm information published over a year ago in APIS (Vol. 8, No. 2, 1990): "As the bees move north into temperate regions, where European bees have advantages, increasing amounts of hybridization should take place. African behavior among feral bees should become reduced. European and African bees will probably establish a hybrid boundary across the southern U.S..." Unfortunately, much of Florida is so subtropical that there still exists a good probability of a feral African population establishing itself in most of the state. South Texas, however, is in roughly the same category and thus, much can be learned from that experience to apply to a possible Florida scenario. APITHERAPY LIVES Apitherapy, the use of bee products to promote health and treat disease, is alive and well according to a letter from the current directors of the American Apitherapy Society (AAS), Charles Mraz and Bradford S. Weeks, M.D. In January, 1991 both directors were invited to France (expenses paid) to consult with that country's equivalent of the National Institutes of Health. The meeting resulted in the funding of scientific study on bee venom in France. Interest by Belgium, Switzerland, China and Eastern Europe followed. Although interest still lags in the U.S., some 200 health care professionals offer venom therapy to patients around the country. And, according to the directors, there is a ground swell at hand to offer this kind of care to those suffering degenerative diseases. One example given is that some 35 persons are receiving bee venom treatment for multiple sclerosis in New England with positive results. The letter calls for those interested to join the Society as a forum for communication. The directors also state that the Society provides strength in numbers to aid those who are engaging in what remains an unconventional therapy. Venom has traditionally been emphasized in apitherapy, but conversation with Dr. Weeks indicates that the other bee products are very much on the Society's agenda. The latest issue of BeeWell, the Society's newsletter, for example, emphasizes medicinal uses of honey. Membership in the AAS entitles one to reduced tuition at the Society's conferences, use of the Society's library, access to audio and video tapes of prior conferences and workshops, subscription to The Journal of the American Apitherapy Society, and the Society's quarterly newsletter, BeeWell. Membership dues are $30.00. For an application, contact the Society, P.O. Box 74, North Hartland, VT 05052, ph 802/295-6383. MORE ON FEEDING PROTEIN Dr. Eric Mussen, in the last issue of his newsletter, From the UC Apiaries, University of California, made some remarks on my discussion of the Florida protein feeding study in Bee Science I reported on in the last issue of APIS. According to Dr. Mussen, California experience suggests that stimulating a large flush of brood rearing when pollen is in short supply will take a heavy toll on nurse bees, who must sacrifice their body reserves to rear new bees. He concludes that lack of varied, nutritious pollens in late summer and fall is the largest contributing factor to colony loss prior to spring. Disease, parasites, predators and pesticides simply compound the problem. When the stresses are severe enough, we lose the bees. A new product of Fleischman's Yeast, Inc. called Torutein (R) CP Dried Yeast is being made available, Dr. Mussen says. It appears to be suitable for bee feed, because it is highly processed (appropriate for human food) and relatively inexpensive. He suggests using it for about 25% of a pollen substitute/supplement. The price per pound ranges from $.92 to $1.10 before shipping. For more information, contact Pure Culture Products, 10600 West Higgins Rd., Suite 303, Rosemont, IL 60018, ph 800/443-1067. NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HONEY BOARD Market research shows some interesting trends, according to the Spring issue of National Honey Board Newsletter. Supermarket scanner data reveals overall pound sales of honey were down one percent while dollar sales were up two percent. Because the industry experienced considerable growth in 1989 (a 9.9 percent increase in retail sales), the leveling off was expected. The newsletter also reports a foodservice research study will be completed in 1991. To date foodservice operators perceive honey as a value added product. As an example, Church's Fried Chicken replaced their regular biscuits with "Honey Butter Biscuits," in an effort to improve sales. Finally, the newsletter reports that consumers love the squeeze bear. Sales data "bears" this out with a 25 percent increase in these containers for 1990. A new series of ads featuring the squeeze bear was introduced in the fall of last year. On occasion there has been criticism of the Board's activities. They have been perceived as not helping the small-scale producer. Here is at least one example where the Board's activities can make an impact on any size honey retailer. Putting up this year's crop in bears instead of jars will take advantage of national advertising funded by the Board. According to Dr. Roger Hoopingarner, editor of B-Plus, the beekeeping report from Michigan State University, the 5-year automatic reassessment of the National Honey Board comes up for a vote this summer. Dr. Hoopingarner says that to be fair, we must look at the Board as losing two years of programming just to get established. He says the two- to two-and-a-half years of actual work, however, have been imaginative and successful. Surplus honey is gone and prices are up. Dr. Hoopingarner says a separate part of the vote will be whether to retain the refund provision. One reason for this is that more and more refunds are requested each year. Some want to retain the freedom to ask for a refund. No matter how you feel, Dr. Hoopingarner concludes, your vote is important. Eligibility to vote will be determined on your past payments/assessments under the Honey Research Promotion and Consumer Information Order. RECYCLING NEWSPAPER AS SMOKER FUEL It's now known that the major product making its way into the nations landfills is newspaper. Recycling newsprint, therefore, makes good sense. A great deal of newspaper is made into other products, but the supply usually outstrips the demand. The beekeeper can make a dent in this literal mountain of newspaper by making some of it into smoker pulp. A recipe for smoker pulp was reported in a 1987 article in The World of Bees and Honey, a newsletter written by Dr. E. Jaycox (now retired). Shred or tear the newspaper into a bucket of water and soak for ten days, stirring until it becomes a mush. Fill a pipe with an inside diameter smaller than your smoker barrel with the material and squeeze the water out with a plunger (capped pipe or rolling pin). Push the compacted pulp out of the pipe and let it dry. Advantages of smoker pulp are that it provides a non- irritating smoke with few tar deposits. It also stays lighted well and can be put out with water and reused. A disadvantage is that smoker pulp may be somewhat difficult to get started. It is recommended to use a blow torch, gas flame or a length of lighted newspaper. This difficulty, however, would appear to be more than made up for by the beekeeper who now can say he/she further conserves resources by acting locally while thinking globally. ORGANIC LABELLING The Florida Organic Gardening and Food Law took effect October, 1990. According to the Florida Farm Bureau's FloridaAgriculture, March, 1991, the purpose of the law was to establish a "framework to protect consumers, producers and retailers who desire to purchase, market or produce organic foods," and "to protect conventional agriculture and organic agriculture against false labeling, misleading advertising, and fraudulent practices in the market place." Under the law, the Organic Food Advisory Council, made up of nine volunteers selected by the Commissioner of Agriculture, will oversee selection of certifying agents, the article says. In essence this means products cannot be labeled "organic" unless certified so by an agent. The certifying agent will not be the Department of Agriculture. Rather, it will be one of several independent third parties licensed by the Department of Agriculture. It is acknowledged that the Florida Organic Gardening and Food Law is primarily designed to protect the consuming public. However, there will be benefits to growers, the article says, quoting Alachua County Cooperative Extension Agent, Gary Brinen: "The standards are better established (through the law), the rules are better established and the marketing...If they grow organically, they now know they are going to be protected because only certified growers will be able to sell and label produce as organic." The article concludes that consumers may begin to see "Florida Certified Organic Produce" soon. The law and application guidelines must go through more legal "hoops" and a certification logo is being developed. Once these are in place, organizations and individuals will be able to apply for certification. Although at first glance this appears to be an ideal program for many honey marketers, it will not come cheap. The cost of yearly certification could range from $300 to $1000, depending on circumstances. Meeting the standards will also be difficult and costly. For example, it is instructive to look at a cross section of the Organic Crop Improvement Association's 1991 standards for bees and honey: 1. Feeding Bees--feeding sugar except if starvation is imminent is prohibited; only known certified honey can be fed. 2. Disease Control--the use of Terramycin (R) is only permitted for controlling American foulbrood; menthol may be used for tracheal mites, but no antibiotics can be fed for European foulbrood, nosema, chalkbrood or sacbrood. The standards do not say anything about using Apistan (R) or any other chemicals to control Varroa. Look for that to change. 3. Foraging Areas--apiaries must be located in non-industrialized areas where pesticides are not applied to commercial crops; apiaries cannot be located within five (5) miles of garbage dumps, landfills, contaminated water, golf courses or major traffic polluting areas, and no closer than two (2) miles from major townsites or cities. 4. Beeswax--only pure beeswax of known origin is allowed. 5. Honey Treatment--no chemicals can be used to remove bees from supers; honey cannot be heated more than 95 degrees F.; the extracting facility must be inspected once a year by federal food inspectors; barrels must be of known origin, stored inside, new or previously used in food storage. 6. Honey Storage--honey may be stored a maximum of two (2) years before sale as organic. 7. Queen Rearing--cross breeding in encouraged as is rearing your own queens; package bees can be purchased, but instrumental insemination and killing colonies in the fall is prohibited. 8. Method of Administering Antibiotics--antibiotics may only be fed for immediate consumption in a pure pollen patty (no oil-based extender patties allowed); dusting and feeding in syrup is prohibited; use of antibiotics must be withdrawn at least one month before the honey flow; samples of first honey produced must be analyzed for antibiotic residues by registered inspectors. It is emphasized that the above is not a comprehensive list of standards. Neither are these cast in concrete yet as other potential certifying agents may see fit to modify or eliminate some of the above provisions. However, they do give the would-be producer a hint of what might be required. Sincerely, Malcolm T. Sanford 0740 IFAS, Bldg 970 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611-0740 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 31 May 91 12:32:36 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MILNE@WSUVM1.BITNET May 31, 1991 Peter Kevan Entomo-l sounds good, but we need a valid destination address to suscribe. Your two notes gives VM.UOGUELPH.CA as the destination address. My machine rejects this address as an invalid BITNET address. I suspect that it is either too long or has some invalid characters in it (the . ??). Can you give us a BITNET address to suscribe? Thanks, Chuck Milne MILNE@WSUVM1