Honey Production Research Articles

Economic and social factors in the formation of an industrial apiary business project

Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the work of domestic and foreign scholars. The results are obtained on the basis of an integrated methodological approach, which includes an analysis of economic and social factors influencing the creation and development of an industrial apiary. To determine the main parameters of the business project, economic modelling methods, quantitative methods, in particular, calculations of the efficiency of keeping bee colonies and modelling of business processes for apiaries with 300-500 families are used. Results. This article presents beekeeping as an important sector of the national economy. The importance of honey production and exports, where Ukraine holds a leading position in the global market, is highlighted. It is substantiated that beekeeping not only ensures honey production, but also has a significant impact on agricultural crops through pollination, which increases yields. The author argues that a detailed business plan should be drawn up, which includes certain factors: seasonal costs, selection of the right equipment and technologies, and qualified personnel capable of working with the specified technologies. It is found that the main economic factors that contribute to the success of industrial apiaries are the growing demand for environmentally friendly products, the availability of subsidies and government programmes to support the agricultural sector. It is emphasised that social factors, such as the need to create jobs in rural areas and ensure food security, also play an important role in supporting this business, and the promotion and consumption of beekeeping products is the key to improving the health of the nation. Novelty. Based on the modelling of business processes, it was found that to be effective, industrial apiaries should have a minimum size of 300-500 bee colonies, and their optimal size depends on the honey base and climatic conditions. It has been determined that an important component is the proper management and organisation of processes in the apiary, where experienced professionals play a key role. Practical value of the study lies in the possibility of applying the developed recommendations for the creation and implementation of business projects of industrial apiaries, which will contribute to the development of small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas. The proposed approaches can be used to optimise costs and increase the profitability of industrial beekeeping.

Proximate composition and colour profile of honey from Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah Zones of Niger State, Nigeria

This study evaluates the proximate composition and colour profile of honey harvested from the Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah zones of Niger State, Nigeria. The samples were gathered from nine Local Government Areas: four from the Northern Guinea Savannah Zone and five from the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone. The analysis included moisture, ash, protein, lipid, fibre, carbohydrate content, and colour composition of the honey samples. The samples showed that there were significant differences (p>0.05) in moisture content, crude protein and carbohydrate content between samples from the Northern and Southern Guinea Savannah zones of Niger State. However, there were no significant differences in the ash and fat content in the honey samples from both Northern and Southern Guinea savannah zones of Niger State. The honey had an amber colour value of 12 - 36.11%, carbohydrate content of 78.32-84.16%, crude protein of 0.16-0.20%, an ash content of 0.56-0.63% and fat content of 0.20-0.21%. The results of the proximate analysis indicated that all examined parameters fell within the codex standard, with the exception of the retailed samples, which had slightly lower carbohydrate contents in both zones. These findings suggested that geographical location within Niger State significantly influences the physicochemical properties of honey, which could impact its quality, marketability, and potential health benefits. Further research is recommended to explore the factors driving these regional differences and their implications for honey production and consumption.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Modern Beehive Technology in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study attempted to identify adoption status, factors affecting the adoption decision and intensity, and identify major constraints of beekeepers for modern beehive adoption. Agriculture is a backbone of country economy. Beekeeping is one of an agricultural subsector which is a sustainable and low-investment strategy for poverty reduction. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected from a sample of 180 beekeepers which collected from three districts of West Hararghe zone and analyzed using STATA software. Heckman two-stage model was employed for the analyses. In study area less than half of the beekeepers were adopters of modern beehive technology. Heckman two-stage model of first-stage results revealed that households’ decision to adopt modern beehive were influenced by factors such as age of household head, education level, livestock owned (tlu) and number of extension contact. Furthermore, the second-stage results indicated that intensity of modern beehive adoption of households’ was influenced by factors such as distance from FTC, access to accessory, livestock owned (tlu), access to training and number of extension contact. From policy perspective improving distribution of modern beehive with full package; encourage extension service, and focus on the deliverance of training are crucial for the adoption of beekeeping technologies and increasing honey production.

Identifying Key Markers for Monofloral (Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange Blossom) and Multifloral Honey Differentiation in the Spanish Market by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Fingerprinting and Chemometrics.

Honey differentiation based on the botanical origin is crucial to guarantee product authenticity, especially considering the increasing number of fraud cases. This study assessed the metabolomic differences arising from various botanical origins in honey products sold in Spanish markets, focusing on two goals: (1) discrimination within monofloral samples (eucalyptus, rosemary, and orange blossom honey) and (2) differentiation between multifloral vs. monofloral honey samples. An omics strategy based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) was applied for the reliable identification of specific honey markers selected by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) (R2Y = 0.929-0.981 and Q2 = 0.868-0.952), followed by the variable importance in projection (VIP) approach. Key amino acid, alkaloid, and trisaccharide markers were identified to distinguish between honey samples. Some Amadori compounds were highlighted as eucalyptus honey markers, suggesting their potential use for honey aging and botanical origin differentiation. L-phenylalanine and raffinose were markers of rosemary honey. Four markers (e.g., trigonelline, L-isoleucine, and N-(1-deoxy-1-fructosyl)isoleucine) were found in higher levels in multifloral samples, indicating a greater availability of amino acids, potentially increasing the Maillard reaction. This research is the first to address the botanical origin's impact on honey by identifying novel markers not previously described.

Nanorods-embedded Ring Resonator-based Plasmonic Sensor for Adulteration Detection in Honey Products

Nanorods-embedded Ring Resonator-based Plasmonic Sensor for Adulteration Detection in Honey Products

Effects of air temperatures on acacia and chestnut honey yields: case study in Italy

Global honey production is increasing.In Italy, the two predominant monovarietal honey types are acacia and chestnut . Climate change, with an increase in extreme weather events (including droughts, heat waves and late frosts), impacts both the phenology of melliferous species andhoneybee activity. The aim of this study was to correlate the honey yields of acacia and chestnut in five Italian climatic sub-regions with the thermal extremes during the flowering phases of the two melliferous species.The objective was to understand the impact that these parameters have on yields.The results highlighted differing impacts of thermal extremes on honey yields for acacia and chestnut, respectively . In the acacia, temperature below 4.3C° in the flowering period had a negative impact particularly in the North-West (P<0.01). Instead temperatures above 17.5C° impacted positively in North Italy. In contrast, for chestnut, temperatures above 23.5C° negatively affected honey yields in the North-West. Understanding the interaction between climate, melliferous species and bees is useful for beekeepers towards developing adaptation strategies to climate change with the aim of protecting the yields, income, animal welfare and ecosystem services.

Pengaruh Iklan dan Citra Merek Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Madu Wild Bee

This research aims to analyze advertising and brand image on purchasing decisions for wild bee honey products. This type of research is research with a quantitative approach. The population in this research is all Wild Bee Honey customers. Determining the sample in the study used probability sampling using the Slovin formula so that the number of samples in this study was 97 employees. The data analysis method in this research uses SPSS analysis tools through validity, reliability, classical assumption tests, namely normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, multiple linear regression, t test, F test and correlation and determination coefficients. The results of this research show that (1) Advertising variables influence purchasing decisions, this is proven by the significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. 2. The Brand Image variable has a significant effect on purchasing decisions, this is proven by the significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. 3. Simultaneous test results show that the advertising and brand image variables influence the decision to purchase wild bee honey. This can be proven by the Fcount result of 113.280 or a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05.

Honey pollen analysis in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Melissopalynology plays a pivotal role in identifying and managing the geographical and botanical origins of honey. In this study, forty-five honey samples were collected from three potential districts in the North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. The pollen grains of these samples were analyzed using the procedures outlined by the International Commission for Bee Botany (ICBB) to determine the botanical sources of the honey. Among the samples, twenty-five were classified as monofloral, while the remaining twenty were identified as multifloral honey. Nineteen plant species from twelve different plant families were identified as the honey bee floras in the North Wollo zone. The dominant families, representing over 45% of the pollen grains in the samples, were Asteraceae (9 samples), Myrtaceae (5 samples), Papilionaceae (4 samples), Fabaceae (2 samples), Hypericaceae (2 samples), Acanthaceae (1 sample), Brassicaceae (1 sample), and Ericaceae (1 sample). Bidens spp., Trifolium rueppellianum, and Eucalyptus globulus emerged as the top three honey bee floras in terms of relative percentage and frequency. Furthermore, eleven samples exhibited a high diversity index range (H) of 1.56% in Lasta and 1.01% in the Meket districts, while the remaining thirty-four samples showed a lower diversity index ranging from 0.31 to 0.99. Our findings underscore the importance of conserving bee floras to enhance honey production and ensure sustainability in beekeeping practices in the North Wollo Zone.

ANALYSIS OF SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN BEEKEEPING BETWEEN TÜRKİYE AND EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

This study aims to determine the similarities and differences between Türkiye and European Union countries in terms of beekeeping and classify similar countries. The main materials of the study consist of the number of beekeepers, the amount of honey produced, and the trade balance values of European Union countries and Türkiye. In this study, multidimensional scaling analysis and cluster analysis were conducted to reveal the similarities and differences between Türkiye and European Union countries regarding beekeeping. The analysis results indicate that Spain and Romania are the most similar countries and Türkiye and Germany significantly differ from other European Union countries regarding beekeeping. Specifically, Türkiye was differentiated from other countries by its high honey production amount. The key characteristics that differentiated Germany from other countries were the number of beekeepers and a high trade deficit. In order to compete effectively with European Union countries in beekeeping, Türkiye should prioritize policies that encourage the export of honey in small, branded packaging.

Investigating the impact of climate variables on the organic honey yield in Turkey using XGBoost machine learning.

The Turkish organic honey industry, a major player in the global market, faces challenges due to climate fluctuations. Understanding the influence of climate factors on honey production is vital for sustainable farming and economic stability. This study uses a machine learning approach with the XGBoost algorithm to analyze temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation and surface pressure over a 20-year period from 2004 to 2023. The results show that these factors significantly impact organic honey production, with temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation and surface pressure having effects of 41.20%, 26.50%, 12.47%, 11.42% and 8.41%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis reveals the model's sensitivity to even minor fluctuations in these variables. The results of this research underscore the necessity of integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into agricultural policies and beekeeping practices. This study showcases the practical application of machine learning in deciphering the intricate relationship between climate change and the production of crops, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making to guarantee long-term sustainability and financial stability in the sector. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating the efficiency of supplementary feeding as a management strategy for enhancing honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colony growth and productivity

Sustaining honeybee colonies is challenging during dearth periods as their metabolic functions are reduced due to limited foraging activities. The experiment used honeybee colonies of Apis mellifera, and five different low-cost supplementary foods—sugar, banana, pumpkin, maize flour, and rice flour syrups—were introduced as treatments. Every box for each treatment received a daily 300-ml supplementary food syrup consisting of a specific amount of feeding materials along with 100 g of brown sugar and 20 g of honey. The amount of food consumed was assessed on the second day following the supplementation. Supplemental food with low-cost feeding materials significantly impacts the growth and strength of the colonies. Results revealed significant impacts on colony growth and strength, with all supplements contributing to food consumption over 78%. Despite variations in brood and pollen cells, all feeding supplements showcased efficiency in supporting honeybee feeding, indicating their potential utility in mitigating the challenges during the dearth period. Notably, pumpkin syrup emerged as the best supplement, offering cost-effectiveness compared to sugar and banana syrups, and it could reduce sugar syrup costs by 50% while enhancing brood, honey, and pollen cell production by 71.36%, 108.36%, and 58.73%, respectively. The findings of the economic analysis revealed that the cost of feeding materials was the highest for sugar syrup ($1.89), followed by banana ($0.91), pumpkin ($0.83), maize ($0.53), and rice ($0.53). This study suggests that supplementing honeybee colonies with low-cost feeding materials can positively impact colony growth and strength during dearth periods and advance the beekeeper’s decision as a cost-effective alternative to traditional sugar syrup.

Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of organic and nonorganic honey sold in São Paulo State

This study assesses the microbiological and physicochemical quality of organic and nonorganic honey sold in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 26 samples were analyzed, 10 samples of organic honey (OH) and 16 of non-organic honey (NOH) sold in São Paulo State, Brazil. Physicochemical analyses revealed notable variations in moisture, acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels between OH and NOH. The average moisture content was 17.74 ± 1.47 g/100 g for OH and 18.12 ± 1.73 g/100 g for NOH. Regarding acidity, OH had an average of 26.90 ± 14.58 mEq/kg, while NOH had 34.32 ± 11.22 mEq/kg. Regarding HMF, OH had an average of 23.40 ± 38.70 mg/kg and NOH had 35.82 ± 39.94 mg/kg. Samples showing deviations from legal standards indicate potential processing or storage issues. The Fiehe test indicated possible fraud in one OH sample and four NOH samples. The Lund test showed no precipitation in any samples, suggesting adulteration in all of them. Diastatic enzyme research revealed the absence of enzymes in three samples, indicating adulteration or inadequate processing. The mean counts of mesophiles were 23 CFU/g for OH and 55.33 CFU/g for NOH, while the counts of molds and yeasts were 126.5 CFU/g for OH and 2289 CFU/g for NOH, exceeding recommended limits and raising concerns about product safety. These findings underscore the need for rigorous quality control measures throughout honey production to ensure safety, purity, and authenticity.

Managing Bee’s Health During Dearth Periods: A Review of Pollen and Nectar Substitutes for Tropical Climates

Bees are essential pollinators, playing a critical role in both ecosystems and agriculture. Aside from their well-known honey production, royal jelly and wax, the significance of pollen and nectar as essential food sources for bees cannot be overstated. In dearth periods such as those occurring between major flowering seasons or environmental factors like drought, bees may encounter difficulties in finding sufficient food for sustaining their colonies. In tropical climates, the dearth period lasts longer compared to other climatic conditions. The implementation and advancement of artificial diet involving substitutes for pollen has been explored as a means to sustain brood rearing, egg laying and foraging activities. This approach aims to ensure an adequate bee population within the colony. Additionally, these substitutes improve energy use and disease resistance by influencing gene expression linked to immunological responses, protein synthesis, and glucose metabolism. Therefore, providing pollen and nectar substitutes to bee colonies during dearth periods can prove advantageous in preserving the overall health and growth of the hives in tropical climatic conditions.

Honey-bearing potential of dendroflora in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The floristic composition and ecological characteristics of the area where honey grazing is carried out directly define the botanical origin as well as the physical and chemical properties of honey. The goal of this research was to determine the potential of woody and shrubby plant species in the apiflora from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) based on the qualitative-quantitative palynological analysis of honey samples. In the research, 100 different types of honey samples from B&H were collected and analyzed. The melissopalinological preparations were prepared and analyzed in accordance with the Rulebook on methods for the control of honey and other bee products of B&H, as well as the methods proposed by ICBB. After the melissopalinological analysis, 25 plant families with a total of 30,000 pollen grains were identified, of which 16 were woody or shrubby plants with 18,126 pollen grains in the preparations. In the research, the most presented honey-bearing woody plants were: black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and linden (Tilia sp.). Each analyzed palynological profile represented a unique combination of pollen from honey-bearing plants, as a specific biological imprint of the place of honey grazing.

Developing a machine learning prediction model for honey production

Türkiye, with its rich flora diversity, holds a significant share in global honey production. However, honey bee populations, essential for agricultural ecosystems, face multifaceted threats such as climate change, habitat degradation, diseases, parasites, and exposure to pesticides. Alongside the increasing global food demand driven by population growth, there is a pressing need for a substantial increase in honey production. In this context, advances in machine learning algorithms offer tools to predict future food needs and production levels. The objective of this work is to develop a predictive model using machine learning techniques to predict Türkiye's honey output in the next years. To achieve this goal, a range of machine learning algorithms including K-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, Linear Regression, and Gaussian Naive Bayes were employed. Following investigations, Linear Regression emerged as the most effective method for predicting honey production levels (R2= 0.97).

Dimethyl sulfoxide, an alternative for control of Nosema ceranae infection in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that threatens current apiculture. N. ceranae-infected honey bees (Apis mellifera) exhibit morbid physiological impairments and reduced honey production, malnutrition, shorter life span, and higher mortality than healthy honey bees. In this study, we found that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) could enhance the survival rate of N. ceranae-infected honey bees. Therefore, we investigated the effect of DMSO on N. ceranae-infected honey bees using comparative RNA sequencing analysis. Our results revealed that DMSO was able to affect several biochemical pathways, especially the metabolic-related pathways in N. ceranae-infected honey bees. Based on these findings, we conclude that DMSO may be a useful alternative for treating N. ceranae infection in apiculture.

Determination of forest fire risk with respect to Marchalina hellenica potential distribution to protect pine honey production sites in Turkey.

Turkey is the leading producer of pine honey worldwide, accounting for 90% of global production, largely due to the presence of Marchalina hellenica populations. However, in recent years, devastating forest fires have caused substantial damage to Pinus brutia forests and M. hellenica populations, leading to a dramatic decline in pine honey production areas. The urgency for early intervention procedures against forest fires and relocation of M. hellenica populations to other P. brutia forests has become apparent. A comprehensive assessment of 25 criteria was conducted to investigate the thresholds and behaviors of each criterion, which play a vital role in the distribution of M. hellenica, using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). To evaluate the impact of forest fires on the distribution of M. hellenica, the potential locations of pine honey production areas were determined for 2022. Furthermore, the susceptibility of forest fires was modeled for all pine honey production months. The findings revealed that forest fires have destroyed 384.9 km2 (12.8% of the total pine honey production area), predominantly in August and September, with the most severe damage in Marmaris (156 km2) and significant impacts in Ula, Köyceğiz, and Milas. The analysis facilitates the estimation of new areas suitable for M. hellenica and pine honey production while providing valuable insights into strategies for mitigating forest fires and formulating proactive protection protocols.

Assessing the Efficacy of Organic and Chemical Treatments for Varroa Mite Control in Macedonian Apiaries

Varroa destructor infestations pose a significant global threat to honeybee colonies, affecting bee populations and honey production. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of Apis mellifera L. honeybee colonies under various control methods with a particular focus on critical parameters like mite dewdrop, honey production and colony growth. The study took place in a normal apiary in the Pelister district for a year from April 2021 to March 2022. There were three treatment groups: Group A got Amitraz (a chemical treatment), group M got formic acid (an organic treatment) and group K got nothing (a control group) to see how the treatments affected the bees. Regular monitoring assessed parameters including dropped mites and Varroa infestation levels with honey production evaluated seasonally. The results showed that both chemical and organic treatments successfully decreased the levels of Varroa mite infestation compared to the control group, while also noting differences in colony growth and honey production. The Amitraz treatment did prevent the mites from dropping, but it also slowed down the young's development. On the other hand, the formic acid treatment kept the brood's development healthy, suggesting that it might be a better way to get rid of varroa. This study shows how important it is to think about how treatments affect important colony parameters. It also calls for more research like longterm observations, to fully understand how treatments affect the health, development and longevity of bee families which will eventually lead to the creation of more effective combined pest control methods.

Quantifying Nectar Secretion Capacity of Dombeya torrida (J. F. Gmel.) for Honey Production

The honey production potential of a honey plant is assessed based on the total floral nectar secretion capacity of the plant foraged by honeybees within a specific location. This study aimed to assess the honey production potential of Dombeya torrida plants by examining their nectar secretion dynamics. A group of flowers was enclosed with mesh bags a day before collecting nectar to measure the accumulated volume. Nectar volume, concentration, and ambient temperature were measured at hourly intervals. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods including one-way ANOVA and linear regression. The average sugar content per flower per season was found to be 14.3 mg, with a range from 2.3 to 47 mg. Based on this, each D. torrida tree was estimated to secrete an average of 0.94 kg of sugar, with a range from 0.15 to 3.1 kg. Nectar volume and concentration varied throughout the day, with temperature significantly influencing nectar concentration. The study estimated that a single D. torrida tree could yield around 1.2 kg of honey per flowering season, with a range from 0.18 to 3.78 kg. Additionally, on a larger scale, D. torrida plants were projected to produce an average of 300 kilograms of honey per hectare, ranging from 45 kg to 945 kg. These findings suggest that D. torrida has considerable potential for honey production. Consequently, planting and conservation of this plant for sustainable honey production practices is recommended.

Effects of Vitamin Supplements in a Pollen Substitute on Some Characteristics of Bee Nucleus Colonies

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin supplementation in a pollen substitute on the performance of honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera mellifera). Twenty nucleus colonies housed in Langstroth-Ruth hives were randomly selected and fed a diet consisting of corn gluten, sugar, and brewer’s yeast residuals, yielding 21.0% crude protein, 7.1% crude fat, and 1.7% crude ash. This diet was enriched with a vitamin mixture at doses of 1, 2, and 3 grams. Control group I received a sugar-water syrup (1:1, w/v), while control group II received the basic diet without vitamin supplementation. The three experimental groups were given the diet with varying amounts of the vitamin mixture. Results indicated that experimental group II demonstrated colony strength comparable to experimental group I but significantly higher than the control group by 14.6-49.4%, and 34.3% higher than experimental group III (P<0.05). Queen bee egg yield increased significantly, with control group II showing a 27.5% increase, experimental group I showing 52.1% increase, experimental group II showing 67.6% increase, and experimental group III showing 28.5% increase on July 28th. Similar trends were observed on August 28th, with respective increases of 30.2%, 32.5%, 37.4%, and 14.7% compared to control group I. Additionally, honey yields for experimental group II were significantly higher by 25.8-57.9% compared to the control groups and 46.8% higher than experimental group III (P<0.05). These findings suggest that vitamin-enriched pollen substitutes positively impact colony strength, queen bee egg laying, and honey production, underscoring the potential benefits of such supplementation in beekeeping practices.