EFFICACY OF SOME WINTERING METHODS ON THE ACTIVITY OF HONEYBEE COLONIES (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract

This work was carried out to study the efficacy of thermal insulation methods during fall on brood rearing activity of F1 Carniolan and F1 Italian hybrid colonies. The experiments were conducted at a private apiary in Hehia district, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that the highest measured total sealed brood area was recorded for the thermo-insulated colonies with foam for F1 Carniolan and F1 Italian both hybrids colonies, recording 1334.8 and 1441.4 inch 2 /colony, respectively. On the contrary, control colonies received no insulation measure reared the least total sealed brood area, recording 998.8 and 1074.2 inch 2 /colony brood rearing activity of the two hybrids was the highest starting on November 1 st regardless of the insulation material. Thereafter this activity suffered gradual decrease till mid winter before it started to increase again. Italian hybrid colonies showed higher brood rearing activity during fall more than Carniolan hybrid colonies. Conclusively, from previous results, thermal insulation by foam is the best type of thermal insulation for bee sects under study.