From SYSAM@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDUMon May 22 06:43:23 1995 Date: Mon, 22 May 95 08:34:38 EDT From: Aaron Morris To: dicka@cuug.ab.ca ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 3 Apr 90 16:18:00 EST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: MARCH APIS--PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT TO MTS@IFASGNV--THANKS FILENAME: MARAPIS.90 Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Volume 8, Number 3, March 1990 ON CERTIFICATION--PROPOSED RULE CHANGE A meeting of regulators from the Eastern U.S. Migratory Beekeeping Circuit was held in Gainesville February 20 through 22, 1990. It was called by the Commissioners of Agriculture of Maine, New York and Florida to try to come to agreement concerning the orderly movement of bees out of Florida into the northeastern states for commercial pollination purposes. The result of that meeting was a proposed cooperative agreement concerning Varroa mite certification for interstate movement. It calls for a one-year certification of colonies based on annual treatment for Varroa control. For colonies to be certified under the proposed agreement, a copy of the sales receipt or bill of sale for the pesticide used is required and random checks will be carried out to ensure the material is applied according to compliance agreements and current labelling. A follow up survey to determine the effectiveness of treatment and a six-month "quality control" check will also be performed. Part and parcel of this agreement is to collect, evaluate and report on data from these surveys. This will provide the required information for the final goal of the project, determining "best management practices" in developing criteria for a long-term beekeeper certification program. Certifying bee colonies for movement came up time and again at this meeting. Each time, however, sufficient basic information was not yet available on the necessary criteria. Finally the participants were forced to confront the issues and certain mite threshold limits were set. By definition these are not perfect (more than 2 mites/sample in the post treatment check will invalidate movement certification and require retreatment within 60 days; more than 20 mites/sample in the six-month check will require retreatment within 60 days). Fortunately, the criteria can be changed easily as new information presents itself. As a result of this meeting, the Division of Plant Industry is proposing to ammend Rule 5B-53 on the Varroa mite; a comment period will close April 14. For further information on the agreement and details on what it might mean for individual beekeepers, contact the Chief Apiarist, Mr. Laurence Cutts, P.O. Box 1269, Gainesville, FL 32602, ph 904/372-3505, ext. 128. In view of the difficulties involved in certifying colonies, Dr. H. Shimanuki of the Agricultural Research Service suggested the time had come to certify operators instead. In essence, this was reflected in the stated long-term goal of the proposed agreement described above. It is becoming clear to many that bee inspection services simply will not have the resources in the future to regulate colonies of bees for tracheal and Varroa mites and African bees. This technique is already being tried by North Carolina. The inspection service in that state will only allow bees into the state produced by certified queen and package bee producers. The advantages of certifying operations rather than colonies are many for inspection services. A good deal of money and energy will be saved by not having to concentrate efforts at the colony level. Instead, inspection services will be able to put more resources into gathering and disseminating information valuable to those operators who are certified and training other beekeepers to become certified. EARTH DAY 1990 April 22, 1990 marks twenty years since the First Earth day was proclaimed. There is a tremendous amount of published information coming out on this event and there will be more. Lester Brown, in World Watch, March-April, 1990 sums up the last twenty years: "The environmental movement is now worldwide. And yet, the planet is far more degraded...The health of the earth has deteriorated to the point that its capacity to support an ever-growing human population is in question." Besides spreads in traditional environmental publications like Audubon, others are entering the fray. A whole issue of National Forum, published by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is dedicated to environmental issues. Four commons (resources shared by all) are pinpointed as needing attention in the future: the oceans, outer space, Antarctica and weather and climate. In the past, before Earth Day provided the concept of a global community, shared commons were often split up between groups; there was constant danger of depletion. The danger facing the the global commons, however, according to Harlan Cleveland writing in the Forum, is not depletion but mismanagement. The potential tragedy of the commons is not without relevence for beekeepers. Apiculture is based on an open system and it is an extractive agricultural activity. Its success, therefore, relies heavily on resources held in common. And there seems little question that experiences by beekeepers indicates a consistent degradation of the bees' environment. Of particular concern is that honey flows are not what they used to be in most parts of this country. Fortunately, the beekeeper can look to a very good model which might provide insight into competently managing the commons, the bee colony itself. The honey bee's communication and resource gathering systems are fine examples of sharing food and living space, something the human community must learn to do more adequately. As Earth Day approaches, it might be worth taking an observation hive to some of the events celebrating this special event and explaining how the bees go about preserving the colony they inhabit in common. A resource providing a wealth of information for those coordinating Earth Day activities is a packet developed by Zero Population Growth, 1400 Sixteenth St., N.W., Washington DC 20036, ph 202/332-2200. BEE SCIENCE REVIEW Bee Science Review is a new publication dedicated to all species of bees. It will be published by Wicwas Press. This journal has some unique features, according to the Managing Editor, Dr. Lawrence J. Connor, which will help solve some of the problems associated with other publications. Manuscripts can be submitted on computer disks, eliminating typesetting time and allowing quality graphics to be generated. There will be a large range of scientists working on reviews. Page charges will ensure rapid, quality publication and lower subscription charges ($20 per year for individuals, $25 per year for institutions). Manuscripts will be accepted from a wide range of individuals, including bee specialists, learned beekeepers and other interested parties. Contents will include original scientific work, review and summary articles, scientific notes and opinions, letters to the editor and news and events. Advertising will be limited to bee-science oriented subjects and page charges will be $95 each. A special publication assistance fund has been set up for those unable to pay the page charge. Papers submitted to Bee Science Review must have already been reviewed by two persons. The Managing Editor will then send the manuscript out for further examination before publishing it. For detailed information on submitting manuscripts or subscribing, send a letter of inquiry to Wicwas Press, P.O. Box 817, Cheshire, CT 06410-0817, ph 203/250-7575. DNA REVISITED It has come to my attention that the discovery of DNA was not reported in Nature, as I stated in the February APIS. DNA itself was discovered much earlier. Rather, it was the fact that the molecule was made up of the now famous "double helix" consisting of two complimentary strands. The two strands separate and each acts as a template to make an exact duplicate of the original double-stranded DNA molecule. It was only after its intricate structure was determined that DNA's function and mode of action could be understood. Each DNA strand can be compared to a written sentence. A sentence consists of a linear arrangement of words; DNA is made up of thousands of smaller molecular units (called bases) strung together. Any language can theoretically have an almost unlimited number of words arranged in unique sequences. The same is true for DNA, responsible for cataloging the immense amount of genetic information found in the earth's living organisms. It is the translation and recombination of this language that is the basis for modern genetic engineering. Several comments were provoked by Dr. Hall's research reported in the same newsletter. It has been suggested that the sample size was small and European mitochondrial DNA was present in some bees tested. Unfortunately, it is not clear how large a sample must be to be convincing. The fact remains that 85 of 87 neotropical wild and managed colonies sampled in the papers in Nature had African mitochondrial DNA and that this is extraordinary given the distance the bees have travelled and the number of European colonies present in areas where most samples were taken. Subsequent research by Dr. Hall is confirming the preponderance of African mitochrondrial DNA found in the neotropical honey bee population. The idea that little hybridization is taking place in the neotropics as reported by Dr. Hall does not mean that no hybridization is taking place. Again, absolutes must be avoided. There is evidence that hybridization is taking place in Argentina to a greater extent than in more tropical areas of South and Central America, and this is good news for temperate North America. This, however, cannot be used to refute what is reported to be occurring in tropical areas. INFOTAINMENT--DOING THE UNEXPECTED A very important subject was addressed at the recent National Honey Board's sales seminars in New Orleans. Much of what is dubbed information these days must also be entertainment or it is often considered not newsworthy, according to Mr. David Bean of Evans/Kraft Bean Public Relations. From this comes the term "infotainment." The possibility that beekeepers will be involved in some form of infotainment is very great, Mr. Bean said, considering the interest by the media in everything from the effect of predaceous mites to pollination by the African honey bee. According to Mr. Bean, infotainment often dwells on the negative and the results can be catastrophic as evidenced by the recent Alar-Apple affair. The key to derailing negative facts in an infotainment session is to direct or deflect the conversation to a more positive focus by doing the unexpected. And there is plenty of ammunition for the well-prepared beekeeper to do just that. One way is to simply begin a discussion of practically any aspect of bee biology. This is fascinating stuff for reporters and the general public. For example, if the conversation gets around to stinging, one might say it is thought the sting is evolved from the ovipositor (egg-laying apparatus) of ancestor insects. Another hot topic is the sex life of bees. How bees modify nectar into honey, divide tasks in a colony, dance to communicate, make preparations to swarm, or determine that a larva will become queen or worker are all possbilities. For this to work, however, one must be careful to have the facts straight. Studying the bee books can get one adequately prepared. Another strategy, suggested by Mr. Bean, is to unexpectedly put out a press release on a subject that is receiving attention. If it is perceived that one is trying to generate publicity, the item is often dropped from consideration. In summary, Mr. Bean said, it is important to become a contrarian by doing the unexpected, establishing that safety and credibility are number one concerns, and becoming pro-active in directing conversation to survive an infotainment session. 1990 BEEKEEPERS INSTITUTE Preparations are under way for the 1990 Beekeepers Institute to be held at 4-H Camp Ocala deep in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. The event is scheduled for August 24-26. There have been a great many changes in beekeeping in the last few years and the Institute will be the place to be adequately informed of the latest events surrounding tracheal and Varroa mites and the African honey bee. Mark your calendar. Detailed information on registration will be forthcoming to the mailing list in the near future. I look forward to seeing everyone there. 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 ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 7 Apr 90 16:28:48 CDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Jeff Danks Subject: Old Hives Hello all.... Let me preface by saying that we have an informal group of beekeepers. One of our number has access to several old hives that have been stored in a shed for 8 to 10 years. The wood in most supers and brood boxes is sound, however the wax moths have removed all traces of comb and foundation, and the mice have nested in a couple of them. The question we have been debating is if these old hives should be used or not? Some argue that there might be some form of persistant contamination (foul brood, etc.) and the hives should be destroyed. Others say that after 10 years any contamination is gone and the hives could be used. The questions I (we) have is how persistant are the various diseases and fungi that can infect our behives? Can hives 10 years old be used safley? Thank you for any info on these questions. ====================================================================== ** _______________________ | JEFF DANKS ** | | | | UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS ** |_____|_____|_____ | AT FAYETTEVILLE ** | | | | BITNET: JD85103 @ UAFSYSA ** |____|_____| | | OR ** | JD85103 @ UAFSYSB ** ** ====================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 9 Apr 90 09:08:23 +0200 Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology Comments: Resent-From: Rainer M Woitok Comments: Originally-From: Mail_System@VAXA.YORK.AC.UK From: Rainer M Woitok Subject: call for papers I fond this on ETHICS-L, but maybe, some of you might be interested. Sincerely Rainer .----------------------------------------------------------------------. | Rainer M. Woitok | Phone : (+49-9131) 85-7811,-7031 | | Regionales Rechenzentrum | Fax : (+49-9131) 30 29 41 | | Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet | Telex : d 629 755 tf erl | | D-8520 Erlangen | e-Mail : MAINT@DERRZE1.BITNET | | West Germany | | '----------------------------------------------------------------------' ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- please post and distribute to investigators of: ========================== * human and machine intelligence * knowledge systems * computational linguistics * natural languages * theoretical biology * population genetics * ethology / cultural ecology * information storage and transfer * learning and teaching systems * philosophy of knowledge * philosophy and history of science ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW JOURNAL ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR PAPERS ...................... . . . JOURNAL of IDEAS . ...................... IMR, BOX 16327, PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA 32406, USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Institute for Memetic Research [IMR] is publishing a new journal called 'Journal of Ideas'. The main purpose of the journal is to provide an archival forum for discussion of the genesis, evolution, competition and death of 'ideas' and 'memes'. The term 'idea' is one that requires careful discussion. The original term 'meme' [pronounced: meem] is a conceptual construct introduced by Richard Dawkins to describe units of cultural transmission and imitation. IMR uses the term 'meme' as a point of departure for an area we call 'Memetic Science'. Ultimately, 'meme' requires further definition and clarification. The primary thesis of Memetic Science is that 'ideas' and 'memes' are entities that are functionally similar to biological genes in their ability to replicate, mutate, and undergo natural selection. What are sought in Memetic Science are: rigorous quantitative foundations, theory, and experimental methodology and measurements. The history of the study of 'ideas'-as-entities-by-themselves is ancient. >From Plato & Aristotle, through Locke, Hume, Descartes, Kant and modern philosophers, we have a variety of qualitative theories and speculations. Logic theory, philology, modern linguistics, and computer oriented technologies, have provided a start in the area of understanding structures, grammars, and truth conditions of sentences and small collections of sentences. Population geneticists and biologists have provided initial models for spread of 'cultural' constructs. These models incorporate the techniques of dominant/recessive allele spreading in genetic pools and epidemiological approaches. Some models use compound constructs of 'gene + culture' elements as the particulate elements that replicate and propagate. While the contributions from these diverse disciplines are useful, there are needs for systematic, robust and, most importantly, quantitative approaches. Present day applications of Memetic Science include both human aspects of replication, mutation, competition, spread and death of ideas and memes, as well as their electronic analogs. The 'electronic memes' are beneficial messages, reusable subroutines, programs that are freely [or surreptitiously] copied and modified, computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, etc. To address the needs stated above the Institute for Memetic Research is launching the Journal of Ideas (first issue printing, September 1990). The detailed statement of scope, pivotal references, subscription information, and instruction for authors is available upon written request from: Elan Moritz, Editor Journal of Ideas The Institute for Memetic Research Box 16327 Panama City, Florida 32406, USA email address: INTERNET: 71620.3203@compuserve.com or INET: 71620.3203@compuserve.com The Journal of Ideas will appear [initially] quarterly, and will contain the following reqular sections: 1) Invited papers, 2) Research Contributions, 3) Rapid Publications and 4) Discussion of persistence and spread of existing 'Major Ideas'. Only previously unpublished papers will be accepted. Page charges for invited papers will be waived. Brevity, and jargon accessible to interdisciplinary researchers are encouraged. Standard transfer of copyrights is required prior to printing. To encourage participation and discussion of this new area, IMR/JoI will experiment with two categories of papers. One category will be strictly reviewed and refereed, while another will be reviewed by the editor but not refereed. Non-refereed papers will be so marked; they will have the advantages of rapid publication and possible disadvantages of archival of errors. To expedite processing, authors can immediately submit papers prepared according to a standard professional society [e.g. IEEE, AIP, APS] journal manuscript format. Three copies are required. On an experimental basis, authors who would like to submit papers for rapid publication using email may submit papers using the internet address [INTERNET: 71620.3203@compuserve.com]. These papers should consist of ASCII text only, with equations built up carefully using ASCII text. Papers submitted through email should be followed up by submitting a written version via regular postal channels. Readers of this message are encouraged to suggest topics and individuals [including themselves] to be considered for invited papers. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PLEASE POST: CALL FOR PAPERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Apr 90 09:36:18 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Barbara Fallon Subject: MARCH APIS--PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT TO MTS@IFASGNV--THANKS In-Reply-To: Message of 04/03/90 at 16:18:00 from MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Thank you for the informative newsletter. Ocala is a lovely park, I wish I could join you. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 12 Apr 90 14:45:34 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Orville G. Marti" SUBSCRIBE BEE-L ORVILLE G. MARTI ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 13 Apr 90 09:10:11 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: "Orville G. Marti" Subject: collections I am a USDA parasitologist studying an ectoparasitic nematode of the adult moth Spodoptera frugiperda. The nematode was first found in French Guiana in 1982 and has since been determined to be quite common in S. frugiperda in the U.S. What is puzzling is that there were no reports (that we can find) of the presence of this nematode in the U.S. before we found it here in 1987. I work in a lab which has studied S. frugiperda since 1960 and no one paid any attention to the presence of the nematode (if, indeed it was present). At least since the beginning of the century S. frugiperda has been studied by numerous entomologists but none apparently noted this nematode. Nematodes are small and hard to identify, so it is easy to understand that someone coming across them might tend to think that they were contaminants and thus not relevant to the project at hand. So, I am interested in determining whether this nematode existed in the U.S. prior to 1977 (when there was a major S. frugiperda outbreak). To do this, I need access to stored specimens of the moths. The nematodes can be found on dried specimens after soaking for several hours in 70% alcohol. I am not asking for museum-quality pinned specimens, but merely for incidental collections such as many entomologists make. Specimens stored in alcohol or formalin will serve just as well as dried ones. If members of this list have such collections, or know of people who do, please let me know. The nematode has potential for biological control of S. frugiperda. Mocis and several other moth species are also parasitized. I had to post this on the BEE list, because I could not find another suitable list. If you know a more appropriate list, please let me know. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 18 Apr 90 09:19:00 EDT Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: MTS@IFASGNV.BITNET Subject: APRIL ISSUE OF APIS, PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE TO MTS@IFASGNV FILENAME: APRAPIS.90 Apis--Apicultural Information and Issues Florida Extension Beekeeping Newsletter Volume 8, Number 4, April 1990 PESTICIDE REGISTRATION It is becoming increasingly more costly and difficult to get a pesticide registered. This is certainly true for Nor-Am Chemical Company's product, Miticur (R), which contains the active ingredient amitraz. Originally, the product was scheduled to undergo the review process by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last February. Now, however, the Agency indicates this will not occur until June. Unfortunately, this means that the product may not be available in the fall, when it will be most needed to reduce tracheal and Varroa populations in beehives. Nor-Am has recently written a letter to beekeeping industry leaders about the situation. The company urges that political action be taken to speed up the process. It suggests that beekeeping associations and individuals contact EPA regarding the situation and request the Agency to expedite registration of this material. The need is certainly there. An alternative chemical to fluvalinate will reduce the possibility of Varroa mites becoming resistant to the only currently registered material, Apistan (R). In addition, Miticur (R) is expected to provide protection against tracheal mites as well. The contact person is: Mr. Doug Campt, Director, Office of Pesticide Programs, United States E.P.A., 401 M. St. S.W., Washington, DC 20460, ph 703/557-7090. Dr. Harvey Cromroy, Acarologist at the University of Florida, also indicates that registration of Miticur (R) is extremely important because the current situation with reference to Apistan (R) registration is not clear. This material was also due to be reviewed by EPA and a general-use label (called "Section 3") was to have been available by the first part of 1990. This has not occurred, however. Apistan (R) continues to carry an emergency-use label (called "Section 18") and it must be used under stipulations of a compliance agreement with state agriculture officials. Fortunately, Zoecon, the manufacturer, has assured him that the Section 3 label has been approved and will be available as of October 1, 1990, the date the Section 18 label is due to expire. EAS 1990 The Eastern Apiculture Society, fondly called EAS by many, will meet July 30 through August 3 at Salisbury State University, Salisbury, Maryland. The event will consist of a beekeeping short course, July 30 through August 1, followed by the conference itself. The keynote speaker for EAS-1990 will be Eugene Killion, retired Illinois apiary inspector and master comb honey producer. EAS is an association of mostly hobbyist beekeepers from 17 eastern states. However, any individual can become a member for $10.00. For more information on EAS-1990, write Ms. Ann Harman, President, 6511 Griffith Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882, ph 301/253-5313. LIMITING FACTORS One of the perplexing things about many beekeeping problems is the complex interrelationships of the many factors involved. Beekeeping is one of agriculture's last very extractive industries. Success in the activity relies very much on environmental factors not under control of the beekeeper. Other kinds of production agriculture such as raising crops or livestock are more closed systems. The material put into the system (bags of fertilizer and food, buckets of water) can be measured as well as the results (bushels of corn, number of pounds of butter or meat). Some of this is possible in beekeeping, especially with reference to managing colony population size. But because the bees cannot be confined and it often is not known how they are interacting with the environment, analysis of results of management practices is often not reliable and involves a great deal of guesswork. Because more is known about the dynamics of many crop production systems, it is often easier to determine what might be limiting than in beekeeping situations. For example, a soil analysis will provide a good deal of information. In spite of this, however, an understanding of the concept of limiting factors by the crop manager is important. No matter how much the system is altered by adding other components, the limiting one prevails. This idea is represented in what is known as the barrel-stave analogy shown below: FIGURE 1 GRAPHIC--NOT PRESENT IN ELECTRONIC VERSION This is the classic case of plant growth being limited by the presence of nitrogen. All staves of the barrel are required to keep plants growing (i.e. liquid from pouring out). No matter what is done to lengthen the other staves in the barrel (soil moisture, solar radiation, insect infestation, etc.) increased growth will not occur until the nitrogen stave is elongated. Once nitrogen fertilizer is put into the soil, plants will begin to grow. However, the amount of phosphorus (the stave marked P) then becomes limiting. And so it goes; the staves becoming longer or shorter depending on actions either imposed by the manager or the environment. The ideal barrel in this analogy would be one filled with water with all the staves as even as possible in length. This balanced approach is what most managers strive for. Why put a lot of energy into reducing competition from weeds (the longest stave), for example, when the other staves are shorter? Many beekeepers strive for this in beeyard management by equalizing colony strength. This way the same procedures can be done to each colony in the yard which saves a good deal of time. Unfortunately for the beekeeper, many of the factors or barrel staves contributing to successful beekeeping are not well understood. In addition, two other important factors have recently been introduced into the system, tracheal and Varroa mites. With all the attention focused on these two pests, however, there is a real possibility that the beekeeper may be led astray. The assumption that these two mites are the most limiting factors to bee production may not be true in all situations. Other staves of the barrel in fact might be shorter so that no matter what influences are brought to bear on mite populations, increased production will be limited. What the barrel- stave analogy reveals is that focusing on only one aspect of honey bee management can be counterproductive and that a balanced approach based on sound beekeeping practices developed over the years is by far the best way to optimize production. AFRICAN BEE AWARENESS Along with many other issues placed before the Florida legislators during April and May will be the African honey bee awareness plan I reported on in the January issue of APIS. A recent letter from Representative Joseph R. Mackey to the Honey Bee Technical Council and the Africanized Honey Bee Task Force appointed by Agriculture Commissioner Doyle Conner asks for comments about the plan. Representative Mackey is Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Research and Marketing. As a member of both committees, I have written a letter which provides information on why an awareness campaign is needed. The text follows: "Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the Subcommittee on Research and Marketing concerning the African honey bee. The Agriculture Commissioner's Honey Bee Technical Council and Africanized Honey Bee Task Force have spent many hours discussing ways Florida can respond to the bee's arrival. Deliberations of the Council and Task Force have been driven by the fact that Florida is expected to be the state most affected by the African honey bee in the U.S. Based on experience in other subtropical areas, much of Florida can expect a saturation of over-defensive bees. This will mean potentially more stinging incidents, higher liability insurance rates for beekeepers and pressure to limit locating managed colonies of bees in many areas of the state. The latter action will be counterproductive. It will reduce competition from managed bees on the wild or feral population in many areas, resulting in higher populations of over-defensive African bees. A spin off will be a decline in Florida's commercial pollination industry responsible for producing an estimated $1 billion in income inside and outside the state. Although wild bees will also pollinate, they are not amenable to manipulations which build up large populations needed during marginal weather conditions. Manageable bees, trucked from Florida, are much in demand in the northeastern U.S. for pollinating cranberries, blueberries, apples and other fruits. The Council and Task Force expect little help from federal sources to blunt the effects of the African honey bee in Florida. One reason for this is that the insect will more than likely be considered a "southern problem." Thus, Florida must take the realistic view that it will have to fend for itself by funding both research and awareness programs. The Council's and Task Force's research priorities include developing methods of identification and stock certification which go hand in hand with learning more about the genetic interactions between European and African honey bees. This is the focus of current studies and is the basis for the request to your committee for further support. A review of the results from research now being conducted by IFAS is found in the enclosed February, 1990 issue of APIS, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service's monthly beekeeping newsletter. There is unanimity that making available information about the bee to the beekeeping and general public must be a top priority to minimize the impact of the African honey bee in Florida. A major information program in place when the bee entered Mexico is the reason that the insect's effect on human and animal populations was much less than in Venezuela and other Latin American countries where no such programs existed. An awareness campaign, therefore, which includes Dr. Hall's research component, has been conceived in cooperation with the Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences at the University of Florida and the Division of Plant Industry's Apiary Bureau. Details of the plan were published in the enclosed issue of the January, 1990 issue of APIS. In summary, the Honey Bee Technical Council and Africanized Honey Bee Task Force urge continuation of a vigorous research effort required to meet the challenges provided by the African honey bee. However, this must be coupled with a correspondingly strong information dissemination plan to provide the best chance of limiting the expected negative effects of this over-defensive insect in Florida." As the 1990 Florida legislative session heats up, there will be a cacaphony of appeals for legislators to support a wide variety of programs. With limited resources at their disposal, not all worthy causes can be funded. The African Bee Awareness program is no exception. If you believe this is an important issue, the next two months will be the time to communicate it to those who make policy in Tallahassee. Should you wish to receive copies of the issues of APIS mentioned above as supporting materials, please contact me. FAIRS The Florida Agricultural Information Retrieval System (FAIRS) is being upgraded and is accessible by all 67 Florida County Cooperative Extension offices. This electronic data base contains thousands of pages of information on many areas of interest. The beekeeping information data base is now under development and now available to counties on a continuing basis. Of special interest is the number of excellent graphics which accompanies the text. Those counties interested in receiving this new data base should contact Francis Ferguson at the Orange County Extension Office, ph 8-356-7587 or Username FF on the IFAS Computer Network. SPEAKING CLEARLY A recent article reprinted in the The Speedy Bee quotes the Fall 1989 Consumer Magazine Digest. The editor printed a chart which shows how many persons often misinterpret scientific prose. This is particularly relevant with respect to the DNA research I have discussed in the last two APIS issues, but also covers many areas where government officials, the media, activist groups and consumers all seem to differ in their visions of risk assessment. When it Says It Does NOT Mean contributes to causes suggests means indicates proves is associated with is causally related to some scientists believe all scientists agree at least in some people (bees) probably in all people (bees) animal studies show human studies would show in people (bees) with high Y in people (bees) with normal Y elevates blood cholesterol increases heart disease high intakes in people (bees) low intakes decrease X in people elevate X (bees) Finally, remember that simply speaking does not necessarily mean speaking clearly or being understood as evidenced by the article's quotation from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. "The (Mad) Hatter spoke again on the subject at length, and although she could not catch the thought, it was certainly, Alice felt, English that he spoke." 1990 FARM BILL Ms. Jane Phillips and Dr. Frederic L. Hoff have coauthored the publication, Honey: Background for 1990 Farm Legislation. This is must reading for anyone interested in how Federal legislators will be looking at the honey industry within the context of the new farm bill. To obtain a copy, dial 1- 800-999-6779 and ask for staff report No. AGES 89-43. Cost is $5.50 which you can charge on Visa or MasterCard. You may also send a check or purchase order made payable to ERS-NASS, P.O. Box 1608, Rockville, MD 20849-1068. 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 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 30 Apr 90 08:30:42 CST Reply-To: Discussion of Bee Biology Sender: Discussion of Bee Biology From: Dave Thompson sub bee-l