Unveiling beekeepers’ use and preference of precision apiculture systems

Abstract

Amid growing ecological concerns surrounding honey bee colony mortality, Precision Apiculture Systems (PAS) emerge as promising monitoring tools to safeguard bee health as well as to improve the beekeeping practices and economic sustainability of apiary operations. These systems offer critical insights into colony dynamics, aiding decision-making processes in beekeeping. Despite a surge in relevant academic research, knowledge of actual PAS usage and preference among beekeepers remains limited. To fill this gap, a standardized survey was conducted among beekeepers in France, Germany, and Greece. This focused geographical scope survey aimed to determine the extent of current and potential PAS adoption, the motivations behind usage or avoidance, and ascertain future preferences. Among the 538 respondents, 45% reported utilizing some form of PAS, with beekeeping scales being the most commonly used. The study revealed that the use of PAS positively correlates with both the number of hives managed and the distance of the apiary from the beekeeper’s residence. Overall, 90% of respondents expressed a certain degree of satisfaction with their use of PAS, although the high costs of these tools were identified as a primary obstacle to broader adoption. About 48% of the beekeepers preferred systems with external sensors, highlighting a clear demand for non-invasive health-related colony information. The advantages that foster PAS usage include decision-making support and improved efficiency in monitoring colony growth and honey productivity. These findings can assist in making PAS more accessible to beekeepers, with the aim to enhance colony performance and decision-making capabilities, thus addressing honey bee colony mortality.