Honey Harvest Research Articles

Meliponiculture and physicochemical properties of honey produced by the African stingless bee Plebeina hildebrandti Friese in Kalakamati village, Botswana

This study was conducted to assess the harvesting practices in Kalakamati village of honey produced by the African stingless bee Plebeina hildebrandti Friese and to determine the physicochemical properties of this honey. To understand stingless bee honey harvesting practices, a semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and 15 individuals who have experience in collecting stingless bee honey were interviewed. The physicochemical properties of four honey samples were analysed following standard procedures. The stingless bee honey had average moisture (28.4%), reducing sugar (61%), apparent sucrose (2.4%), free acidity (36 meq/kg), pH (4.77), total ash (0.42%), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (17.82 mg/kg) and water-insoluble solids content of 0.07%. All the parameters comply with the Tanzanian standard for stingless bee honey whereas all but moisture content agrees with the European standard for honey from Apis mellifera. Moisture content of the stingless bee honey in the present study is higher than the 21% EU standard for Apis mellifera honey. In Kalakamati village, honey from stingless bees is collected from the bush and stingless bees are not kept by farmers. According to the respondents, honey from stingless bees is consumed as it is, is used as a substitute for sugar in tea and for its medicinal value to treat cough, stomach ache and flu. The results suggest that honey produced by stingless bees in Kalakamati village is of good quality as it generally meets international quality standards. Honey production from stingless bees could contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in the study area if appropriate interventions are made.

Beekeeping practices and physicochemical properties of honey produced in Lerala village, Botswana

This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Apis mellifera honey produced in Lerala village and to assess the beekeeping practices. Sale of honey is an important source of income for beekeepers in Lerala village. There are two types of honeybee production systems in the study area: traditional backyard beekeeping and forest honey harvesting. A total of six honey samples obtained from two sources (modern hive and forest) were analysed for physicochemical properties following standard procedures. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess beekeeping practices by interviewing 15 individuals who have experience in beekeeping. The average values for moisture content, total ash, free acidity, reducing sugars, sucrose, pH, water-insoluble solids and hydroxymethylfurfural of honey samples obtained from modern hives were 18%, 0.24%, 31 meq/kg, 56.6%, 1.88%, 4.24, 0.05 g/100g and 26.6 mg/kg, respectively. The corresponding values for honey obtained from the forest were 17.7%, 0.28%, 27.7 meq/kg, 58%, 2%, 5.18, 0.07 g/100g and 10.9 mg/kg, respectively. Honey source significantly (P≤0.05) influenced the pH, reducing sugars and sucrose contents of the honey samples while ash, free acidity, water-insoluble solids and moisture content were not significantly (P>0.05) different between the two sources of honey. The pH, sucrose and reducing sugars content of forest honey samples were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than honey obtained from modern hives. All the parameters analysed were within the limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for honey. The major challenges faced by beekeepers in the study area include lack of skills and knowledge of beekeeping, weak extension services and lack of bee handling and honey processing equipment. Thus, there is a need for training of beekeepers on improved beekeeping practices and provision of inputs such as modern hives and honey handling and processing equipment to farmers.

Evaluation of early spring bio-technical management techniques to control varroosis in Apis mellifera

More than 30 years after the first infestation report on Apis mellifera, varroa mites are still damaging honey bee health. The present paper reports data from a field experiment concerning two early spring (late February) bio-technical management techniques: early brood interruption (through queen caging) and early trapping comb (through the use of a single trapping comb). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of both techniques on colony development, mite population growth and honey production during the 6 months following the treatments. We observed that the early season queen handling and technical management of the colonies were able to affect mite reproduction resulting in a lower infestation rate, especially in the brood interruption group, while not causing any repercussion on the honey harvest and seasonal colony development and performance.

GIS Approach for Determining the Optimum Spatiotemporal Plan for Beekeeping and Honey Production in Hot-Arid Subtropical Ecosystems.

Remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) technology have seldom been used in apiculture. We applied these tools to map the optimum honey bee colony carrying capacity and estimate honey production during the honey flow of 'Talh' trees (Acacia gerrardii Benth. [Fabaceae: Mimosoideae]) in the Rawdat-Khuraim oasis, central Saudi Arabia . A SPOT 5 panchromatic image (2.5-m resolution) was used to delineate the distribution of Talh trees. ArcGIS was used in image processing and data management, analysis, and visualization. The outputs were maps of Talh distribution, an optimum spatiotemporal beekeeping plan, and predicted potential honey yield. Each Talh tree was predicted to produce a theoretical maximum of 8.5-kg Talh honey per season. Under the current nonoptimum distribution of apiaries, Rawdat-Khuraim produces 4,876-kg honey per season. Optimally, it should produce 9,619-kg honey per season from 1,278 colonies distributed in 12 beekeeping sites. This study provides a technical approach for the use of RS and GIS in describing, planning, and managing honey flows and predicting honey harvest through a spatiotemporal workflow.

Characterization of Kenyan Honeys Based on Their Physicochemical Properties, Botanical and Geographical Origin.

Properties and composition of honey are essential in providing information regarding their quality as well as in their differentiation based on production region characteristics, e.g., floral sources. This paper presents physicochemical properties and floral sources (botanical origin) of 21 honey samples obtained from arid and semiarid areas of Kenya, specifically, West Pokot, Baringo, and Kitui Counties. Physicochemical parameters which were analyzed to determine honey quality included moisture content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, free acidity, and electrical conductivity. Values of these parameters were compared with those of the existing local, regional, and international standards for honey. Melissopalynological analysis (pollen analysis) was also carried out to provide information on botanical origin of the honeys. Results showed mean parameter values of moisture, 16.34%; HMF, 23.28 mg/kg; diastase activity, 10.67 Schade units; free acidity, 22.95 meq/kg; and electrical conductivity, 0.40 mS/cm. Free acidity and electrical conductivity values of honey samples obtained from West Pokot were significantly lower than the values of honeys from Baringo and Kitui. Eighteen (18) honey samples had all parameter values within the limits set in the East African, Codex Alimentarius, and the European Union directive standards for honey. Results also showed a total of 29 pollen types in the honey samples analyzed, and Acacia spp. was the predominant pollen type in 4 of the 21 honey samples. Findings of this study showed that Kenyan origin honeys can tap into the existing regional and international markets based on their quality which can be attributed to their botanical origin. Results of this study also suggested that honey producers have undertaken appropriate measures in honey harvesting, processing, handling, and storage. However, there is a need to build capacity of producers whose honey were of unacceptable quality. This would involve training on proper honey production, processing, and handling practices as well establishment of honey collection and processing centres at the local level in order to improve honey quality. This will enhance access to existing honey markets. Conservation of bee floral sources would also be needed to maintain honey quality.

Assessment of Colony Carrying Capacity and Factors Responsible for Low Production and Productivity of Beekeeping in Horro Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Horro Guduru Wolega Zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia in view of investigating colony carrying capacity and prime factors responsible for the low production and productivity of beekeeping in the area. Individual questioner survey, focus group discussions and field assessment were used to collect the relevant data. Moreover, data on suitable land size for beekeeping, seasons and frequency of honey harvest, months of dearth period for colonies, honey potential of the area, number of colonies in one apiary and other issues were collected. Personal observations were also made to the apiary management of the beekeepers. The study revealed that out of 820,956 ha land mass of the zone, about 59% was found to be with the highest potential for beekeeping with the remaining portion with medium potential. Two major honey-harvesting seasons with average frequency of 1.66 times and two months long dearth period in between the two seasons were identified. Estimated honey reserve potential of the zone is about 89.2 thousand tons/year with colony carrying capacity of 520 bee colonies per single apiary. However, the average number of bee colonies managed per apiary is found to be 260 indicating the overall ratio of actual existing colonies to the carrying capacity of an apiary is 0.5. From this analysis, current average honey production from traditional transitional and modern were found to be 3.5, 14.6 and 21.0 kg/colony/year, respectively with pulled average of 10.6 kg/ colony/year in the study area. With the current bee colony holding size and production level, each beekeeper produces about 244 kg/year, while it has a possibility of achieving 700 kg honey per year. From this, the annual yield loss per individual beekeeper can be estimated to 460 kg honey which can further explored to over $820 financial loss. Bee colony miss-management is identified as fundamental major cause of low production and productivity of beekeeping in the study area than the carrying capacity of individual apiary. It is recommended from this study that beekeepers should follow the standard apiary setting to utilize the production potential of their beekeeping endeavor.

DEVELOPMENT OF BEE COLONIES BASED ON EARLY SPRING FEEDING ACCORDING TO THE DEVELOPED SCHEME

The strength and development of bee colonies in May, especially those that have weakened after wintering, is not sufficient for the effective use during the first honey harvest in Ukraine.One way to effectively stimulate bee colonies to develop is through the use of carbohydrate protein feedings.The purpose of the study was to investigate the development of bee colonies in the early spring with the use of different types of feeding.The studies were conducted using zootechnical (alignment and assessment of the status of bee colonies, control feeding) and statistical methods of research in the early spring of 2019 in the conditions of Holosiivskaapiary (Kyiv, Ukraine).The control group – classic maintenance, similar to all apiary colonies. The research group – was applied the developed scheme of early spring feeding and training of bees. For feeding, honey – beebread dough, bee pollen in the form of flour, monofloral bee pollen candy were used. After the first feeding, the experimental colonies outweighed the control ones by 0.3 rows in strength, 0.5 comb by the number of open brood combs and 0.43 comb by the sealed ones as well as by 1.3 comb of fodder (5.3 kg). After the second feeding, the experimental colonies outweighed the control ones by 1.6 rows in strength, 1.5 comb by the number of open brood combs, were the same by the number of sealed sells and outweighed by 0.3honeycomb in the number of fodder. During the evaluation it was found that the experimental colonies outweighed the controlled ones instrength by 2 rows, by 0.5 in open and by 1 comb in sealed brood combs as well as by 0.5 honeycomb of fodder (2 kg). It was found that a complex three-stage carbohydrate-protein feeding of weak bee colonies (5–6 combs) after wintering makes it possible to increase their strength to 10 combs by early May. Normal 0 false false false RU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Обычная таблица"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Analysis of Risks in Honeybee Production Farms in Nigeria: A Boost to Food Security

This paper focuses on achieving sustainable food security through analysis of risk in honeybee production farms and determines the risk behaviour of bee farmers in kebbi and kwara states of Nigeria. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires and interview. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed for selecting 148 respondents comprising 102 traditional bee farmers and 46 modern bee farmers. Descriptive statistics: mean, percentage, standard deviation, the coefficient of variation and, safety model was used to determine the risk attitude coefficient of bee farmers. The conditional distribution of the honey harvest probabilities per ha for a food secure and insecure was plotted against the poverty index using normal kernel cumulative density. Result revealed that risks in apiculture are related to socio-economic and production characteristics. The bulk of traditional bee farmers (57.8%) is categorized as risk neutral while the majority of modern bee farmers (67.4%) belong to risk preferring (with an index of 1.52). The results revealed that the set of significant explanatory variables and their sign vary across the traditional and modern groups. The coefficient for marital status, bee farming experience and family labour were statistically significant for traditional bee farmers. While education, investment, family labour and hired labour were statistically significant for modern bee farmers. Bee farmers are encouraged to form cooperative society and if already existing should liaise with relevant agencies such as the ministry of agriculture and agricultural insurance companies for training, workshops and seminars on the capacity to handle risk-taking into cognizance their socioeconomic and institutional traits.

English

The study was conducted to assess beekeeping practices, seasonal colony management gaps in eastern, south-east and central zones of Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. About 384 beekeepers were interviewed. The trend of honeybee colonies indicated an increase in the last five years but with variables (72%) in honey production. Majority (77.3%) of beekeepers inspected their apiary and honeybee colonies externally and only 21.7% did such inspection inside the hive. The most common locally available supplement feed included sugar syrup (94.6%), Shiro (peas and beans flour) (89.1%), tihni (barley flour) (87.6%), maize flour (25.5%), honey (14.4%) and fafa (supplementary food for infants) (7.9%). Major colony management gaps observed entailed adding super by guessing (47.9%), reluctance to decreasing super (35.5%), continued use of foundation sheets (40.4%) and queen excluder not removed (37.9%). The frequency of colonization was significantly different (p<0.05) in frame beehives but not in traditional hives. The seasonal colony activities included brood rearing in July to September; reproductive colony swarming, August to September; absconding, March to June; dearth periods, January to May; high availability of honeybee plants, July to December; and honey harvesting period, September to November. Therefore, seasonal colony management practices followed by floral cycle should be practiced by empowering beekeepers with skill in modern beekeeping management in order to improve their seasonal bee management practices, thus increasing honey production. Key words: Agro-ecology, beekeeping, honeybee colony, management, seasonal, Tigray

FROM NULL SIZE TO NUMERICAL DIGIT; THE BEHEADED QUEEN BEE AS A MODEL FOR THE MAYAN ZERO GLYPH T173, EXPLAINED THROUGH BEEKEEPING

The characteristic signs for natural numbers and zero that pre-Hispanic Maya scribes used to depict counting facts must have been developed based on daily life experience, although for several of them their origins remain unclear. One such case is the sculptured, three-sided or partially visible quatrefoil glyph, catalogued as affix T173. This glyph had several textual functions, but its scribal variations were most frequently used as a positional zero. In several cases of T173’s use, its syllabic reading has been recognized as mi , which can be translated into “lacking”. Yucatec Mayas kept stingless, meliponine bees for honey and wax production and trade, and the cultural value of this practice reveals itself through the worshipping of several bee and beekeeping gods. In species of the genus Melipona , queens are constantly produced. Worker bees eliminate superfluous and useless queens all year round, commonly by biting off their heads. These worker-controlled killings of excess queens allow colonies to perpetuate themselves but occasionally lead to irreversible colony loss, which would seriously undermine honey harvests. Beheaded queen bee figures in the Madrid Codex demonstrate that Mayan beekeepers knew from experience how the deaths of residing queen bees affected their beekeeping businesses. Here I propose that Maya artists sculpted beheaded queen bees and used them, among other things, as zero placeholders in counting, namely T173. If this rationale is correct, the presence of this glyph on Classic period monuments reinforces the idea that Maya beekeeping has a long-standing tradition and was more widespread than is generally acknowledged. In its zero position, glyph T173 may originally have embodied a pre-existing concept of “nothing” or “void” from beekeeping: a vacant beehive due to the permanent loss of the queen caste. Additionally, the effect of other aspects of adult lifecycles of Melipona queens on colony development could explain other textual applications of glyph T173.

Phytosanitary and economic foundations of melilot in the southern forest-steppe of Novosibirsk region

The research aims at evaluation of biological and economic efficiency of melilot cultivation in the southern forest-steppe of Novosibirsk region. The research was conducted in 2010 – 2016 by means of conventional methods. The biological effects of melilot in treatment of wheat underground organs from root rot was 13.9-38.8% (average 31.3%) in the beginning of growing season; in the end of the growing season it was 32.1-66% (average 43%) in comparison with recultivation of spring wheat. The pathogenic complex of root rot consisted of B. sorokiniana (18.343%) and Fusarium fungi (63.9-81.7%). The authors found out F. gibbosum, F. sporotrichioides,F. oxysporum, F. avenaceum, F. solani.mong fungi among Fusarium. The research revealed domination of Trichoderma fungi among the antagonistic species. The effect of melilot as a fore crop in increasing spring wheat yield was observed as 31-68,7% (average 44%) with a simultaneous decrease in Bipolaris sorokiniana grain population and Fusarium fungi in 2 times in comparison with re-cultivation of spring wheat. The authors highlight that economic evaluation of melilot cultivation in the southern forest-steppe of Novosibirsk region is 80.7% profitable in case melilot is grown as a fore crop of spring wheat. IThe authors observed reducing grain costs on 53.4 RUB/ hwt compared to recultivation of wheat. Comprehensive economic assessment of melilot cultivation showed higher profitability caused by sale of honey and haylage harvesting.

The Transition Ratio of Nosema spp. Spores From Colonies to Honey Versus Honey to Colonies

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are insects that have an important role in plant pollination as well as production of benefical products such as honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, bee venom and beeswax. There is a growing interest in bee diseases and loss, which is a major threat to the economy and human health. Nosemosis is an adult honey bee disease which effects its digestive system mostly. The cause for the disease is Nosema apis or Nosema ceranae but the two can be seen together, too. This article aims to explore the transmission of Nosemosis and its effect on honey. For this purpose, a field study was conducted in Muğla province, where 51 pieces were collected from bee yards as spring samples and 51 pieces from bee yards as autumn samples during these two seasons, and 51 honey samples from bee yards were examined during the honey harvest. The results revealed that Nosema spp. which was obtained from honey bee samples collected in spring was more effective on honey samples. Nosema spp. was found to have a linear relation with the infection in the hive. It was determined that the percentage of Nosema spores seen in adults was 1.63%. This result contributed to the literature by providing this ratio used in estimating the level of infection in the colonies by means of honey sampling. Furthermore this is the first study where the contamination risk of honey from the infected colonies is calculated. Hopefully, this study can provide background for further research on the protection of bee colonies and risk assessment against Nosema spp. disease.

Socio-economic factors influencing land-use and land-cover changes in the miombo woodlands of the Copperbelt province in Zambia

This study examined socio-economic factors that influence land-use and land-cover dynamics in the Copperbelt miombo woodlands of Zambia. Data were collected through household surveys and focus group discussions. All households that have lived in the area for 5 years and above were considered eligible to participate in the survey. A total of 372 households and 30 discussants within a 5-km buffer zone of the forest reserves were selected for interview. Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to test association between independent variables (gender, age, education, wealth status, and household size) and use of forest products. Furthermore, binary logistic regression models were developed to examine determinants of forest products use and land-use and land-cover change. The chi-square results revealed a strong association among the following; charcoal production with gender, age and wealth; use of construction poles with household size; firewood collection with wealth; wild fruits collection with gender and household size; caterpillar collection with education; honey harvesting with gender and wealth; wild vegetable collection and use with education; use of thatching grass with wealth and household size; livestock fodder use with wealth and level of education; collection and use of bush meat with age and residence status; collection of material for brooms with age and wealth respectively. The logistic regression model results revealed that charcoal, construction poles, wild fruits and animal fodder were statistically significant at 1% level while, honey, thatching grass and bush meat were significant at 5%. Gender, age, education, wealth status, household size and residence status were significant determinants in the use of various forest products. Furthermore, the regression model showed that agriculture expansion (p < .031) and population growth (p < .032) were significant determinants of changes in forest cover. The study concludes that there is high level of dependence on forest products by local communities and hence any attempts to avert deforestation should consider addressing social and economic problems faced by local communities. We further conclude that development of sustainable forest management policies and strategies that provide for inclusion of local ecological knowledge and various utilization practices such as charcoal production into sustainable forest management.

Clostridium Perfringens Spores in Polish Honey Samples.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was examination of honey samples collected from apiaries situated in all Polish provinces for occurrence of Clostridium spp., especially C. perfringens.Material and MethodsThe study was carried out on 240 honey samples (15 samples/province). Estimation of Clostridium titre, its cultures and C. perfringens isolate characterisation were performed according to the standard PN-R-64791:1994. A multiplex PCR method for detection of genes coding cpa (α toxin), cpb (β), cpb2 (β2), etx (ε), iap (ι), and cpe (enterotoxin) toxins was used.ResultsClostridium spp. was noticed in 56% (136/240) of samples, and its titres ranged between 0.1 g and 0.001 g. Clostridium perfringens occurrence was evidenced in 27.5% (66/240) of samples. All isolates were classified to toxinotype A.ConclusionsEvidence of a high number of positive samples with occurrence of Clostridium spp. indicates a potential risk to consumers’ health. The infective number of Clostridium spp. is unknown; however, the obtained results have shown that a risk assessment on the entire honey harvesting process should be made in order to ensure microbiological safety. Moreover, a detailed study should be undertaken on the antibiotic resistance of C. perfringens isolates from honey samples.

Demonstration of Transitional Locally Made Beehive Around Protected Areas in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha and Arsi Negele districts of Oromia regional state of Ethiopia with the objective of enhancing the production and productivity of beekeeping in the area through demonstration of transitional locally made beehive around protected areas. Beekeepers around protected areas were purposively selected based on their interest in beekeeping, experience in traditional beekeeping, proximity of residence to protected areas and non-addressed areas with technology dissemination activity and two farmers research groups (FRG) consisting a total of 20 members were established to conduct the demonstration of beekeeping technology. Theoretical and practical training sessions about seasonal bee management practices, intermediate beekeeping construction, implementation and honey harvesting techniques integrated to natural resources rehabilitation was given to a total of 50 beekeepers,4 district honey experts and 6 development agents. After training, twenty four transitional locally made beehives were constructed and honeybee colonies were transferred and inspected regularly undertaken to follow up the progress of the bee colonies in partnership with FRG members, experts and development agents. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, systematically analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statics such as percentage, mean and presented in table. Accordingly, an average of 15.4kg and 12.1kg of honey was harvested per harvesting season from transitional beehive at Adami Tulu and Arsi Negele, respectively. Therefore integration of intermediate beekeeping technology with protected areas can enhance the income of household and encourages planting of bee forages which directly contributes for sustainable forest managements. Thus government and other stakeholders at all levels should provide technical services for beekeeping to align improved beekeeping to protected areas and all best practices should be scaled up so that honey production is increased and sustained.

HONEY CROP ESTIMATION FROM SPACE: DETECTION OF LARGE FLOWERING EVENTS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIAN FORESTS

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that in the spectral space there is often a better spectral separation between leaves and flowers and even between flowers of different species than between leaves of different species. In this study we assess the ability of satellite remotely sensed data to detect the flowering of Red Gum trees (Corymbia calophylla) in Western Australia, the state’s largest annual honey crop. Spectroradiometer measurements of flowers, leaves and groundcover from Red Gum forests were subjected to ANOVA analysis, which showed that flowers are spectrally different to their environment for 92 % of the wavelengths between 350 nm and 1800 nm. A more detailed assessment, using the JM Distance calculation, showed that the spectra can be reliably separated using 10 % of the wavelengths, with peak separation between 518 nm and 557 nm. To assess the ability of satellite-borne sensors to detect the presence of flowers, the spectroradiometer data were convolved with satellite instruments’ response curves to create synthetic remotely sensed datasets on which JM Distance analysis was performed. MODIS blue bands achieved a median JM Distance of greater than 1.9 and therefore should be able to detect the presence of flowers from the environment. Further assessment showed that the shortest wavelength bands for MODIS, VIIRS and Sentinel 3 all occur where the flower spectra have lower reflectance than their natural background. A sensitivity analysis of percentage flower cover for a pixel showed that the highest sensitivity was obtained by dividing the band closest to 520 nm by the shortest wavelength band for data from these three sources. The MODIS band 10/band 8 metric was tested for its ability to detect flowers in real-world data using 15 years of qualitative honey harvest data from one apiary site as a proxy for flower density. This test was successful as, while there was some overlap between good, moderate and poor years, the poor years could be separated from the other years with nearly 80 % accuracy.

Harvesting Urban Honey with Modern Technology

This article looks at the new beekeeping technology of the Flow frame and how it benefits Urban Beekeepers. In spite of negative preconceived notions about new technology, the article compares the time, space, and energy requirements of the new technology as compared to the old technology. What makes a successful honey harvest is also discussed, along with how more people nearby can make the harvest easier and harder to manage.

MELLIFEROUS CAPACITY OF BEE FAMILIES DEPENDING ON THE QUALITY OF QUEEN BEES, DERIVED WITH USING OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE FEEDING

An experiment was conducted in order to detect the influence of quality of queen bees of the Carpathian bee breed derived with using of biologically active substances on melliferous capacity of bee family, it was formed two experimental and control groups of twenty-five breed of bees. Bees breeds formed in June by the generally accepted rules were used. For the formation of group, analogical couples of bees breeds in strength, the number of sealed brood, honey and bee cerago were taken.&#x0D; The best queen bees’ sisters by development obtained from spring 2015 were sat to the experimental group. It means that they were genotype analogues and analogical couples by weight and body length. Queen bees derived from queen bees families which were fed with biologically active feeding Apistimulin BM and Nanostimulin were introduced to the first and second research groups. Queen bees derived from queen bees families which were fed only with sugar syrup were introduced into breeds of control group.&#x0D; Introducing queen bees in breeds was carried out by using conventional method of Titov’s cage. The experimental bee families were in the beehives of the similar construction in equal conditions of care and feeding. Bee families were taken to honey harvest of linden and sunflower during the season. After finishing of honey harvest from each plant, pumping honey was conducted. Determination of the amount received from each of honey bee families was performed by the method of conducting experiments in beekeeping.&#x0D; The influence of queen bees quality on melliferous capacity was judged by indicators of biometric processing of data from the output of trade honey during the season 2015, both separately for each breeds and overall.&#x0D; Honey harvest of linden from June 26 to July 5 was held under very unfavourable weather conditions for the allocation of nectar caused by high temperatures. Also unfavourable weather conditions for honey harvest were during sunflower blooming from July 19 to August 11. During flowering sunflowers, especially in the beginning, there were heavy rains, with the air temperature significantly reduced, and since the middle to the end of honey harvest it has become too high. All climatic factors influenced the quality and quantity of honey harvest.&#x0D; Analysis of the data showed that bees breeds formed on the basis of queen bees derived by using biologically active substances had more honey harvest than queen bees derived under usual conditions of feeding with sugar syrup. Thus, during honey harvest of linden, bees breeds of research groups have brought significantly more marketable honey by 16.4% and 51.5% than in the control.&#x0D; The best result was obtained in the first experimental group formed by the queen bees derived by using stimulating bioactive feeding Apistimulin BM. The results of this group were 51.5% and 23.2% higher than in the control group and second group and received an average 14.71 kg of honey of bee family. Bees breeds of the second experimental group increased honey harvest by 16.4% that is a good result for increasing the output of marketable honey in the apiary.&#x0D; The first experimental group had the lowest coefficient of variability, which indicates the similarity of queen bees and positive impact on their quality of honey harvest. The greatest individual features of queen bees were shown in families formed on the basis of queen bees derived by using stimulating bioactive feeding Nanostimulin. This group had the highest coefficient of variability.&#x0D; During honey harvest of sunflower, the number of honey exceeded the indicators of the control ones by 17.5% and 52.4%. The smallest effect was manifested in families of the second experimental group and was 17.5%. The largest melliferous capacity was showed by bee families of the first group and it was 52.4% higher, in average 16.78 kg of honey per each family.&#x0D; General results of marketable honey production by research bee families have confirmed significant influence of the quality of queen bees on the honey harvest. Thus, during the season 2015, the first and second research groups of bee families gathered 52% and 17% honey higher than the control ones.&#x0D; So, developed biotechnological method, the essence of which is feeding queen bees families with the bioactive feeding in the embryonic period, provided high-quality queen bees whose families under adverse weather conditions for honey harvest had the best melliferous capacity.&#x0D; It was established that bee families formed by using queen bees derived from queen bees families which were fed with bioactive feeding Nanostimulin and ApistimulinBM had 17% and 52% higher melliferous capacity under adverse weather conditions during honey harvest. Melliferous capacity of bee families depends upon the individual productive qualities of queen bees. At that, queen bees derived by using feeding ApistimulinBM are the most similar and their families have higher melliferous capacity than derived by using Nanostimulin and by generally accepted method.

Correlation between water activity and moisture content of Turkish flower and pine honeys

Abstract Water activity (aw) and moisture content (MC) of Turkish liquid flower and pine honeys were determined. Samples (706 flower and 257 pine) were collected during the honey harvesting seasons of 2010-2014 from 137 apiaries in locations with different climatic conditions all over the land. Up to date, this work is the first one seeking for a correlation between aw and MC for Turkish honeys, and also it is the largest and longest one among similar works to the best of the researchers’ knowledge. The ranges of aw and MC values of the Turkish honeys were in agreement with the literature. aw was determined between 0.470 and 0.563 for the flower honeys, and between 0.492 and 0.589 for the pine honeys. MC was measured between 15.0 and 20.4% (m/m) for the flower honeys and between 15.1 and 20.4% (m/m) for the pine honeys. Statistically different linear regression equations (aw versus MC) fitted data of the flower and pine honeys with significantly high coefficients of determinations (R2> 0.848), small mean absolute errors (< 1.39%) and no biases. The linear equations were analogous to equations giving the correlation between aw and MC for other honeys in the literature.

FROM NULL SIZE TO NUMERICAL DIGIT; THE BEHEADED QUEEN BEE AS A MODEL FOR THE MAYAN ZERO GLYPH T173, EXPLAINED THROUGH BEEKEEPING

The characteristic signs for natural numbers and zero that pre-Hispanic Maya scribes used to depict counting facts must have been developed based on daily life experience, although for several of them their origins remain unclear. One such case is the sculptured, three-sided or partially visible quatrefoil glyph, catalogued as affix T173. This glyph had several textual functions, but its scribal variations were most frequently used as a positional zero. In several cases of T173’s use, its syllabic reading has been recognized as mi , which can be translated into “lacking”. Yucatec Mayas kept stingless, meliponine bees for honey and wax production and trade, and the cultural value of this practice reveals itself through the worshipping of several bee and beekeeping gods. In species of the genus Melipona , queens are constantly produced. Worker bees eliminate superfluous and useless queens all year round, commonly by biting off their heads. These worker-controlled killings of excess queens allow colonies to perpetuate themselves but occasionally lead to irreversible colony loss, which would seriously undermine honey harvests. Beheaded queen bee figures in the Madrid Codex demonstrate that Mayan beekeepers knew from experience how the deaths of residing queen bees affected their beekeeping businesses. Here I propose that Maya artists sculpted beheaded queen bees and used them, among other things, as zero placeholders in counting, namely T173. If this rationale is correct, the presence of this glyph on Classic period monuments reinforces the idea that Maya beekeeping has a long-standing tradition and was more widespread than is generally acknowledged. In its zero position, glyph T173 may originally have embodied a pre-existing concept of “nothing” or “void” from beekeeping: a vacant beehive due to the permanent loss of the queen caste. Additionally, the effect of other aspects of adult lifecycles of Melipona queens on colony development could explain other textual applications of glyph T173.