Evaluation of Colony Parameters for Queen Rearing under Arid Ecosystem Conditions

Abstract

: Due to climate change, the study was conducted to give some recommendations for beekeepers and nucleus producers for best practices for queen rearing in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Several colony parameters were investigated such as number of accepted queen cups, mated queens, and royal jelly production under harsh arid ecosystem of Ismailia Governorate during two successive seasons of 2019 and 2020. In addition, choosing the appropriate location of the broad frame inside beehive that will be used for the grafting process was also tested. The results revealed that the months from March to August were the most suitable months for queen rearing and queen mating, while royal jelly could be produced throughout the year. With regard to the studied parameters, data recorded the largest inner size of queen cups in May, June, May, July and August. The same trend of results was recorded in weight and length of newly emerged queens. On the other hand, the best location for broad frame inside beehive was in the middle of hives and the middle area of brood frames was also the best location for transferring larvae for grafting in the queen rearing. These findings could help local beekeepers and producers for best beekeeping practices to obtain strong queens in good qualities.