Evaluation of first-generation Indian bee, Apis cerana indica colonies raised from breeder colonies by grafting method

Abstract

Ten best performing Indian bee colonies maintained at AICRP on Honey bees and Pollinators, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala were selected and observations on their development and hygienic traits were recorded from Oct 2022 to Aug 2023. Characters which showed significant variation was subjected to monthly analysis. Monthwise analysis of the parameters revealed that highest honey area was recorded during March (90 cm 2 ), while the pollen area was at its peak during May to June which ranged from 32 cm 2 to 33 cm 2 . Brood area was found highest during August (525 cm 2 ) followed by March (482.50 cm 2 ). A significant negative correlation of parameters was observed with rainfall and relative humidity whereas positive correlation was found with sunshine hours. In case of the pollen area, a significant positive correlation was recorded with temperature. Based on the selection index calculation, five breeder colonies were marked and the respective daughter colonies were raised by Doolittle method of grafting. No significant difference was observed in the traits between the breeder colony and first-generation colonies except in the pollen area. Thus, the study revealed that all the traits from the mother colonies got transferred to daughter colonies by grafting method.