[Pollinator] Sugar refractometers

[Peter Bernhardt]

What it be possible to have a discussion on the merits of different models
of hand-held sugar refractometers?  This is the time of year in which our
lab receives inquiries on what we use and what they should order.

Since 1985, our lab has remained faithful to the hand-held sugar
refractometer models produced by Bellingham and Standley.  We've ordered
them through Epic and try to keep up with changes in models.  We currently
use the Eclipse 45-03 for nectars removed from flowers under bridal veil or
muslin.  We've been happy with Eclipse models over the years as they
provide a reading with only 2 micro liters of fluid.  We are currently
writing up our paper on pollination of Asclepias meadii.  Nectar
extractions were easy as a first day flower usually secreted about 5 micro
liters.  Yes, our lab also sends out dried nectar spots for biochemical
analyses (sugars and amino acids) when the budget permits.

However, I recently received an inquiry about a refractometer to measure
sugar concentrations removed from the crops of honeybees.  We've never done
that in our lab.  I notice that Bellingham and Standley offer a "honey and
water" model.  I've never used it and wonder if anyone here has?

http://www.bellinghamandstanley.com/ltd/handheld_tech.html

Peter
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.sonic.net/pipermail/pollinator/attachments/20150406/231c7717/attachment.html>