I have been a part of this group almost from the beginning, though only a listener, not a contributor. There is additional and updated information on this disorder on the Maarec site mentioned, and more press than believable has been published about the problem. There is additional information, and a survey at www.beesurvey.com. This has escalated to the point that this morning there was a House hearing on the subject held by the USDA Subcommittee on Horticulture and specialtiy crops, with USDA and University researchers and several commercial beekeepers testifying. This is, indeed, a situation to be aware of if you are in the business of hiring honey bees for pollination in the spring. I suspect that the availabilty of honey bee colonies for pollination this spring will be reduced, and the cost for those available will increase. Moreover, I suspect that pollination contract obligations will change this year. The east coast beekeepers, particularly, have been hard hit with this (though midwest and west coast beekeepers are almost as affected...it has been recorded in over 24 states), primarily by migratory beekeepers who winter down south. However, beekeepers in the north are just now finding out how well their bees overwintered, and the situation will, at the very best, remain bad. It may become worse. There are several suspects in this case...paracitic mites, viruses, migratory stress, a new disease from Europe, a new, as-of-yet unknown pathogen, and pesticides. Pesitcides, especially sublethal amounts of systmeic pesticides from outside the hive that are used on most vegetable and tree fruit crops got a lot of attention this morning at the hearing. Some beekeepers are convinced this is a serious problem for their bees, but others aren't so sure. And researchers haven't been able to tell. In any event, apple growers and beekeepers would do well to discuss pesticide use in apples before and during pollination this year - before bees move into orchards. Beekeepers are worried. Just so you know.
Kim Flottum Editor, BeeCulture 623 West Liberty Street Medina, Ohio 44256 V - 800.289.7668 Ext 3214 Fax - 330.725.5624 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.BeeCulture.com
