Morphometric evaluation of the male bee of the selection and breeding group of the Kabakhtapa population of the Gray Mountain Caucasian breed (<i>Apis mellifera caucasica Gorb.</i>)

Abstract

Relevance. The gene pool of bees in Azerbaijan consists of two bee breeds — the Gray Mountain Caucasian and the Yellow Caucasian bees. These breeds combine 5 populations. Among these populations, the Kabakhtapa population stands out, which is considered the “golden bee” of the gene pool of Azerbaijan. In order to protect and improve the gene pool of bees, in Azerbaijan conditions were carried out researchesrelated to the creation of a new highly productive selection and breeding group through mass, individual selection and selection in bee colonies of the Kabakhtapa population of the Gray Mountain Caucasian breed.Methods. Biometric analysis of the collected materials, compilation of a series of variations, starting with correction of the variation curve, mean (M), standard deviation (d), coefficient of variation (V), error of mean (m), reliability criterion (t) were definedas key indicators.Results. In the spring, when bee colonies have been provided with additional bee growth and feeding for the hive, it is possible to grow high-quality male bees, as in the summer season. Bee colonies which were given growth and feed were able to grow male bees, that were bigger by 4,8% in the length, by1,2% — in the length of the upper part of the third joint and by1,1% — in the length of the lower part of the third joint, by1,0% — in the wing length, by1,0% — in the wing width; the cubital index was also bigger by2,0% .