The Distribution and Foraging Activities of Common Italian and “Hy-Queen” Honey Bees 1 during Alfalfa Pollination

Abstract

The distribution and foraging activities of honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) were compared for common Italian and Hy-Queen stocks, the latter selected for alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) preference and high pollen collection from general sources. The experimental area contained 674 colonies in 27 apiaries. Foraging bees (4000) were collected throughout an alfalfa field (34.0 ha) and tagged with metal discs that were recovered (78.1%) magnetically at hives. Most (81.6%) alfalfa foragers originated from 263 colonies in 12 apiaries at the field. Territorial dominance was evident by bees from the nearest apiaries. Mean foraging distances were 338±56.7 m (common stock) and 237±13.9 m (Hy-queen). Pollen collection from all sources was greater for Hy-Queen (37.9%) than for common stock (30.9%). Stocks were very similar otherwise. Only 1.4% of the alfalfa foragers carried pollen loads, 84.2% of which were from other plant species in the area. Nectar loads of bees collected during foraging were small (mean range = 5.2–9.2 μ liters) and independent of pollen foraging activity. Weak apparent preference for alfalfa by Hy-Queen stock may be caused in part by a genetically reduced foraging distance.