Re: Nosema - Your sample arrived, Eric

From: Allen
Date: 3/10/98
Time: 8:48:55 PM
Remote Name: 198.161.229.204

Comments

Eric,

Jonathan did a count (four times) from the spore sample you sent. Of the 400 squares on the hemacytometer, he counted the spores on 80 squares each time (Four corners and centre). Here are the results:

1. 96 (24,27,10,23,12) 2. 93 (31,18,8,18,18) 3. 66* (19,14,10,13,10) 4. 86* (18,15,20,16,17)

* denotes dropping the solution in from the side with the cover already in place. The first two were done by putting a drop on and then allowing the cover to settle down on the drop. We suspect sligthly higher volume if this is done (counter to the instructions), since debris could enter and then hold the cover up slightly.

I wonder what your results were? We could not do the math, since we do not know what dilution you used.

These results are quite consistent compared to our previous tests, and since they are from the same sample, I would conclude that it is not our microscopy or other lab procedures that account for the variability that initially concerned us, and have to go back to the sample size as the likely culprit.

Comments?

Allen