Evaluation of Structural Modifications on Bee Hives using Different Types of Bottom Board Materials Against Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella L. (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera) Infesting on Apis cerana indica F. Colonies

Abstract

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella caused damage to honey bee colonies resulting in heavy economic losses to beekeepers. The present study entitled “Evaluation of structural modifications on Bee hives using different types of bottom board materials against greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Pyralidae, Lepidoptera) infesting on Apis cerana indica F. Colonies”. The results revealed that the Incidence of wax moth larvae on different treatments on the bottom board, laminated with mica, showed significantly (p<0.05) effective with less wax moth larvae (1.00), which was followed by bottom board laminated with glass plate (1.44). The Incidence of wax moth pupae on different treatments on bottom board laminated with mica was significantly (p<0.05) superior with the least wax moth pupae (0.88), which was followed by glass plate (1.88), cardboard (2.63), OHP sheet (2.81) in the order of effectiveness. The maximum extent of pupal population that occurred in untreated control was 3.81. The bottom board laminated with mica, shows significantly less absconding (0.25), followed by laminated with the glass plate (0.50), cardboard (0.75), OHP sheet (1.00). However, higher levels of colony absconding were recorded in the untreated control (1.50). Hence, it is concluded that the laminating bottom board with mica sheet will be maintain hygienic condition and prevent cracks and crevices, which will be unfavorable for egg laying of greater wax moths.