Honey Solution Research Articles

Long-term effects of honey solution on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in military graduates with psychological symptoms of over-training

Background: Physical exercise in certain conditions can cause over-training syndrome in individuals, which is associated with inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses by cytokines. The balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can indicate the strength of the immune system against pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of honey solution on the balance consumption of interferon-gamma and interleukin4. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study has been performed by pre-test-post-test with two groups of placebo and honey syrup. For investigation, 70 individuals from the available population, including military graduates, have been examined using an over-training psychological questionnaire and finally, using blood markers (cortisol and testosterone), an over-training test of 38 people with age range of (75/1±75/20) years, and body mass index of (19/4±1/7 kg/m2) have been selected and randomly divided into two groups of 19 individuals: placebo and honey syrup. In order to measure serum levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4, before and after 6 weeks of consuming honey solution, 5 cc of blood has been taken from the arm vein and measured by ELISA. Results: The changes in cytokines levels have been investigated using the independent t-test in the SPSS software version 22. Following the use of honey syrup, compared with the placebo group, an increase in interferon-gamma levels and a decrease in interleukin-4 have been observed, which was a significant difference (P <0.05). Conclusion: 6 weeks consumption of honey syrup promoted the balance of interferon-gamma and interleukin cytokines to reduce the side effects of over-training on the immune system.

Gut health maintenance in broilers: comparing potential of honey to antibiotic effects on performance and clostridial counts

This study was conducted to investigate antimicrobial potentials of honey at controlling proliferation of Clostridium perfringens (Cp) and promoting growth in broiler chickens. Graded concentrations of honey solution (HS) were compared to 5.0% oxytetracycline (OTC). A total of 96 day-old White Hubbard strain broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups of 24 chicks each in three replicates. The groups were designated as T1 for control (water only), T2 (1.5% HS), T3 (3.0% HS) and T4 (5.0 % OTC solution at 1.25g/liter). Data were collected weekly on feed intake, weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization (EFU) for six weeks. At 7th week, six birds per treatment were randomly selected, slaughtered and dissected, and 1g of caecal contents per bird was sampled into labeled sterile bottles. The samples were subjected to bacterial culturing, identification and colony counting. Results showed that feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) depressed by 3.0% HS, but EFU improved at 1.5% HS. Although the additive had no significant effect on weight, highest weight gain (1.69 kg/b) was noticed at 1.5% HS. Colonies of Cp were reduced in honey and OTC-treated groups (T2=5.2x105 ; T3= 5.0x105 and T4= 4.6×105 cfu g-1 ) compared to the control (T1; 8.7x105 cfu g-1). At 1.5% concentration, HS compared well with OTC as it reduced gut load of Cp and promoted growth in the broilers. In conclusion, addition of HS at 1.5% concentration in drinking water could therefore serve as an alternative to OTC to improve performance and reduce gut load of Cp in broilers

The botanical sources, entomological proteome and antibiotic properties of wild honey

We hypothesize that the wild honey (Apis dorsata honey (ADH), A. florea honey, A. laboriosa honey and A. andreniformis honey) had high antibacterial activity to defend against degradation. The entomological proteins, botanical sources and antibacterial activities of wild honey were determined via a label-free proteome, DNA metabarcoding and agar well diffusion assay. The results showed that there were significant differences among physico-chemical properties, proteins and plant sources of honey samples from different honey bee species. All the honey samples diluted to a 90% moisture content inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis with the exception of 90% ADH. Honey solutions inhibited Chromobacterium violaceum, with exception of ADH and some other species honey with different moisture contents. The differences in antibacterial activity were attributed to differences in the botanical sources, entomological proteins of the honey. The species-specific proteins in honey from each species can be used for their identification

The honey solution effect as a natural cryoprotectant on sperm quality of botia, Chromobotia macracanthus Bleeker 1852

The purpose of study was to obtain the best combination of natural cryoprotectant (honey solution) and synthetic cryoprotectant (methanol) on the quality of spermatozoa Chromobotia macracanthus Bleeker 1852, after freezing at -80 ℃ for 48 hours. The combination of 10% methanol with various concentrations of honey solution (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7% and 0.9%) was tested in this study. Ringer's solution was used as an extender. The diluted sperm was then equilibrated for 25 minutes at 4 ℃, then frozen at -80 ℃ for 48 hours. The sperm was then thawed at 40 ℃ for 13 seconds. Viability, motility and percentage of fertilization were evaluated. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the combination of 10% methanol with several concentrations of honey solution had a significant effect (P <0.05) on the viability of spermatozoa and the percentage of fertilization, but had no effect on sperm motility (P> 0.05). The combination of 0.1% honey solution and 10% methanol showed the highest percentage of both motility (89.4 ± 5.45%), viability (85.75 ± 4.79%), and the percentage of fertilization (98.55 ± 1.69%). %). The conclusion of this study is that 0.1% honey solution combined with 10% methanol in Ringer's solution is the best cryoprotectant for C. macracanthus spermatozoa stored at -80 ℃ for 48 hours

Feeding pattern, biochemical, anthropometric and histological effects of prolonged ad libitum access to sucrose, honey and glucose-fructose solutions in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe exposure to sucrose in rats has mimic abnormalities attributed to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effects of honey bee and “free” glucose and fructose, have not been explored in this context. The aim was to expose Wistar rodents to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 30% to assess their effects.SUBJECTS/METHODSHS (n = 10), SS (n = 10) and GFS (n = 10) groups were formed. Solutions were ad libitum along 14-weeks.RESULTSBetween solutions consumptions, honey was significantly 42% higher (P = 0.000), while similar consumption was observed among GFS and SS. The feeding pattern of HS consumption was irregular along experiment; while the food intake pattern showed the similar trend among groups along time. Non statistical differences were obtained in any biochemical and anthropometric measure, however, a higher concentration of leptin (721 ± 507 pg/mL), lower concentration of total cholesterol (TC; 48.87 ± 2.41 mg/100 mL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL; 16.47 ± 6.55 mg/100 mL) and triglycerides (82.37 ± 32.77 mg/100 mL) was obtained in SS group. For anthropometric values, HS showed less total adipose tissue (AT; average 26 vs. 31–33 g) and adiposity index (average 6.11 vs. 7.6). Due to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk for the development of chronic diseases; correlations between fluid intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. A moderate correlation was obtained in groups with the weight of total AT and solution intake; for the weight gain in GFS group and for triglycerides in HS and GFS. The highest hepatic tissue damage was observed in SS group with multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, atypia changes, moderate pleomorphism and hepatocellular necrosis.CONCLUSIONSIn spite of the significantly higher consumption of HS, biochemical, anthropometrical and histological effects were not remarkably different in comparision to other sweeteners.

Application of Pretreatments on Banana Slices for Improving Drying Characteristics

The banana slices were subjected to pretreatment solutions for improving drying, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics. The pretreatments were applied with four different solutions including ascorbic acid, lemon juice, sodium chloride and honey. The banana slices were cut into 5 mm and 7 mm in size, about 120 g banana slice samples were dip in each pretreatment solution for ten min. The banana slice samples were dehydrated in dehydration chamber and dried at temperatures of 60 °C for 12 to 16 hrs. Each sample was observed for physico chemical characteristics such as pH, TSS, vitamin C, total sugar and ash % and sensory analysis of their color, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability were observed. The results obtained showed that the banana slices treated with ascorbic acid and honey solution has the highest value of vitamin C. The results obtained for sensory analysis showed the significant difference in aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability scores recorded for the samples pretreated with honey solutions for ten min. It is concluded from the present study that pretreatment solutions have important role in determining the final quality characteristics of dried banana slices and it has great potential application in food industries. Keywords: Banana; slices; pretreatment; ascorbic acid, honey, drying characteristics; sensory evaluation. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/103-06 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Antibacterial Activity of Honey against Methicillin-Resistant and Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Introduction:Staphylococcus aureusis the most important causative agent of wound infections, including diabetic foot ulcers. Honey is a very useful nutrient with antimicrobial properties and other biological properties such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. The aim was to examine the antibacterial activity of honey against methicillin-resistant and sensitiveS. aureus(MRSA and MSSA) isolated from patients with diabetic foot ulcers.Methods:This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2019 to December 2019. TwentyS. aureusisolates were collected from patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Different concentrations (100%, 70%, 50%, 25% vol/vol) of honey were studied. Dilutions of honey solutions were examined to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) againstS. aureus. MICs were determined by spectrophotometric assay at 620 nm.Results:All strains showed sensitivity to honey with MIC equal to 25% (vol/vol). The MIC (%) values of honey for all studiedS. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) isolates ranged between 18-100% (v/v).Conclusion:Honey with confirmed, antibacterial activity has the potential to be an efficient treatment complementary for diabetic foot ulcers infected or at risk of infection withS. aureus.

Honey‐incorporated nanofibre reduces replicative senescence of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCDMSC) are attractive candidates for cell-based regenerative medicine. However, they are susceptible to replicative senescence during repetitive passaging for in-vitro expansion and induced senescence in an oxidative, inflammatory microenvironment in vivo. Aim of this study is to investigate if honey-incorporated matrices can be employed to reduce senescence of UCDMSC. Matrices were prepared by electrospinning solutions of honey with poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA:honey matrices exhibited free radical scavenging activity. Culture of UCDMSC on PVA:honey matrices showed improvement in cell proliferation compared to pure PVA nanofibres. Expression of vimentin indicated that mesenchymal phenotype is preserved after culturing on these matrices. Further, UCDMSC were serially subcultured and cells of two passages (P2 and P6) were evaluated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) load and senescence parameters. P6 cells showed a higher ROS load and β-galactosidase (β-gal) positive senescent cells compared to P2. However, culturing on PVA:honey substrates significantly reduced both ROS and β-gal markers compared to cells on PVA substrates. Honey contains several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, which can reduce the ROS-related senescence. Thus, it is concluded that honey containing nanofibres can be effective substrates for stem cell-based wound healing and regenerative medicine.

Effects of sugar sources on adult longevity, survival and related gene expression in an endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Adult parasitic wasps take sugars to meet their energy needs and display different lifespans and fertility in response to different sugar sources. Pteromalus puparum is an endoparasitoid with a wide range of hosts, including many lepidopteran pests. As a potential natural enemy resource, the availability of sugar sources has profound effects for wasp applications and host populations dynamics. We assessed the effect of feeding sucrose and honey on the lifespan of P. puparum in the range 0-40% (w/v). The results indicated a statistically significant positive effect of sucrose and honey solutions on the lifespan of P. puparum female adults. Correlation analyses confirmed a strong positive correlation between high concentrations of sugar and extended lifespan. The optimum concentration of sucrose solution for wasps was 20%, while 10% for honey. Then, we examined the expression patterns of 15 lifespan-related genes. The results showed that the relative expression levels of 14 genes were significantly correlated with the mean lifespan of sucrose-fed wasps, and six genes correlated with the mean lifespan of honey-fed wasps. In addition, the models for lifespan prediction were constructed. We elaborated the quantitative effects of two sugar sources (sucrose and honey) on P. puparum lifespan, investigated the expression patterns of lifespan-related genes when fed different sugar sources, and developed round lifespan prediction models accordingly. This study provides a novel tool for studying the longevity regulating mechanisms of parasitic wasps, and may be instructive for mass-production of parasitoids as biological control agents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of supplementary nutrition on the reproduction and mating behaviour of Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

To improve the mass production of the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) the effects of supplementary nutrition on its reproduction and mating behaviour were investigated using Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larva as a host. The survival of mated male wasps was markedly prolonged after feeding with five different types of nutrients and that of unmated males was markedly prolonged except when provided with yeast solution. Providing female wasps with supplementary nutrition did not affect their longevity. When H. hebetor reproduced sexually and was supplied with an abundance of hosts, females produced 101.0 and 96.7 female offspring, respectively, when fed 20% sucrose or 20% honey solutions, however, when provided with only ten hosts the provision of supplementary nutrition did not affect the number of female offspring they produced. The 20% maltose, 20% sucrose and 20% honey solutions significantly promoted the courtship behaviour of male wasps, and the 20% yeast and 20% honey solutions increased the mating success of males paired with virgin females.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSAN-AGAR FILMS

Hydrogel films composed of chitosan and agar or chitosan, agar and honey/bee pollen were prepared; they could be used as active wound dressings. During this study, various types of gel films were prepared using chitosan with different molecular weights and ratios of the two biopolymers. In addition, compositions with different amounts of honey or bee pollen were obtained. The selected samples were characterized by determining typical properties that are important for wound dressings. The best twocomponent films had a chitosan to agar weight ratio of 2:1. From among the examined tri-component films, the 2:1:0.5 weight ratio of chitosan, agar and 50 wt% honey solution was the best composition.

Natural honey acts as a nonpermeating cryoprotectant for promoting bovine oocyte vitrification.

Sugars are commonly supplemented into vitrification solution to dehydrate cells in order to reduce the formation of fatal intracellular ice crystals. Natural honey is a mixture of 25 sugars (mainly fructose and glucose) that have different biological and pharmacological benefits. The present study was designed to determine if honey can be used as a nonpermeating cryoprotectant in vitrification of bovine oocytes. In the first experiment, denuded-MII oocytes were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 M of honey or sucrose. Natural honey and sucrose caused similar ooplasm dehydration. A significant relationship existed between time and ooplasm volume change (P < 0.05), during dehydration and rehydration phases, in both honey and sucrose solutions. In the second experiment, the immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were vitrified in an EG/DMSO-based vitrification solution containing honey (0.5, 1 or 1.5 M) or sucrose (0.5 M) as a gold standard. The vitrified-warmed COCs were matured in vitro and evaluated for nuclear maturation. The maturation (MII) rate was greater in nonvitrified control (81%) than vitrified groups (54%, P < 0.05). In the third experiment, COCs were either remained nonvitrified (control) or vitrified in 1.0 M honey or 0.5 M sucrose, followed by IVM, IVF and IVC (for 9 days). Cleavage rate was greater in control (74%) than in vitrified groups (47%, P < 0.05), without significant difference between sugars. Blastocyst rate was 34, 13 and 3% in control, honey and sucrose groups respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, natural honey acted as a nonpermeating cryoprotectant in vitrification solution and improved the embryonic development in vitrified bovine COCs.

Lipid Dynamics, Identification, and Expression Patterns of Fatty Acid Synthase Genes in an Endoparasitoid, Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

In insect parasitoids, fatty acid synthases (FASs) have received less attention and their roles associated with lipogenesis loss are far from clear. Meteorus pulchricornis is a solitary endoparasitoid wasp of many larvae of lepidopteran pests. The lipid content during developmental stages of M. pulchricornis was measured; it was higher in the larval and pupal stages but declined from six-day-old pupae. Lipid accumulation constantly decreased in the adult stage, even after feeding on honey solutions. To investigate the roles of FASs in lipid synthesis in M. pulchricornis, four FAS genes (MpulFAS1~4) were identified from the transcriptome database of M. pulchricornis. All FAS genes included full-length open reading frames and shared 72–79% similarity with the sequences of Microplitis demolitor. qRT-PCR validation showed that all four FASs had the highest expression after the adult wasps were fed on honey diets. MpulFAS1 and MpulFAS2 reached their expression peaks at the adult stage but MpulFAS3 and MpulFAS4 peaked at the larval stage. To further study the function of FASs, dsRNA injection knocked down the expression of four MpulFASs and resulted in a significant decline of lipid content at the adult stage in M. pulchricornis. Results from this study suggest that M. pulchricornis adults cannot accumulate lipid content effectively and FASs may still contribute to lipid synthesis in the adult stage. This broadens the knowledge on the ability of lipid synthesis in parasitoid wasps and provides insight into the roles of FASs in insects with parasitic life-history traits.

Larval feeding capacity and pollination efficiency of the aphidophagous syrphids, Eupeodes frequens (Matsmura) and Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on mustard crop

The present investigation was carried out on in vitro mass multiplication, larval feeding capacity, and pollination efficiency of two aphidophagous syrphids viz., Eupeodes frequens (Matsmura) and Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) on mustard crop under mid hill conditions. The results revealed that the incubation, larval, and pupal periods were 3.5, 12.4, and 11.9 days, respectively for E. frequens and 3.8, 13.7, and 8.8 days, for E. balteatus. Longevity of male and female was 15.2 and 17.6 days for E. frequens and 10.6 and 12.6 days for E. balteatus, respectively. When the adults were fed on different diets, adult longevity and fecundity recorded significantly maximum on 10% honey solution + fresh pollen grains. E. frequens consumed an average of 261.7 individuals of cabbage aphids per larva during total larval period, whereas the larva of E. balteatus consumed 393.6 cabbage aphids. The pollination efficiency of hoverflies on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was studied under caged conditions. It was observed that the plants pollinated by E. balteatus and E. frequens showed 55.12 and 52.97% seed set. Among the different diets, fresh pollen grains + 10% honey solutions recorded to be the best diet for mass rearing of syrphids.

Model development and optimization of process conditions for color properties of tomato in a hot‐air convective dryer using box–behnken design

his study was conducted to improve on the retention of color properties of dried tomato fruits. Process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A three-level-four-variable Box–Behnken design was used for the optimization which involved 68 samples in triplicate, the variables were drying-air temperature, slice thickness, cultivar, and pre-drying treatment. The results indicated that quadratic models best described the behavior of color properties of tomato in hot-air convective dryer with R2 of 0.8080 and 0.7955 for hue angle color value (HACV) and color difference (CD), respectively. The process conditions significantly influenced the HACV and CD of dried tomato fruits. Through the RSM, the optimal process conditions for HACV and CD were as follows: drying-air temperature 50°C, slice thickness 5.11 mm, cultivar 1.75 (Tiwantiwa), and pre-drying treatment of honey and sugar solution with a desirability value of 0.838. HACV and CD obtained under these conditions were 39.55° and 33.64, respectively. Practical applications Tomato is one of the most important fruits and vegetables, and natural sources of lycopene and vitamin C. Drying is an important process used in the preservation of the fruit toward wastages minimization and also involved in the production of antioxidant food supplements. Color is a major criterion consumers usually consider to either accept or reject processed vegetables in the market. Through optimization of the process conditions involved in drying, the retention of color properties and overall quality were improved. This research showed great potential as related to selection of cultivar and development of new natural resources to be used as pre-drying treatment.

Effect of autumn feeding on dynamics of rectal congestion with excrement in carpathian breed honey bees

Basic biological laws that govern the life of the bee family, as well as considering it as a whole organism, are necessary instruments for implementing effective methods of beekeeping and increasing the productivity of the industry. The study of the exterior features of bees must be carried out from different points of view for the concept of the complex activity of the bee family and in order to recommend methods for improving the preparation of bees for winter. Study of the mass of working bees and their rectum began to be used as the main indicator that affects the nature of the preparation of bee individuals for wintering. From the point of view of both theory and practice, filling the rectum with excrement in the autumn period will be an important indicator of an effective wintering in terms of preserving and further developing bee colonies. Effect of two kinds of liquid top feeding acidified with apple cider vinegar on the rectum congestion with excrement in working bees in the autumn, and the safety of bee colonies after winter was discussed in the article. The results of the indicators of the mass of working bees and intestinal mass when feeding two types of top dressing in the form of sugar syrup and honey solution with the addition of apple cider vinegar for the purpose of acidification are presented. The dynamics of rectal congestion in this group of bees is less compared to the group of bees receiving food in the form of sugar syrup. After wintering, during the spring audit, it was found that the safety of bees fed the autumn top dressing in the form of a honey solution with the addition of apple cider vinegar was 95% compared to bee families that received sugar syrup, the safety was 80.5%, with the detection of liquid excrement on the walls of hives and honeycombs

Effects of honey types and heating treatment on the textural, thermal, microstructural, and chemical properties of glutinous rice flour gels.

Hardening issue in starch-based products that arises during storage, is ascribed to the long-term starch retrogradation which involves the recrystallisation of amylopectin. Present study aimed to delay storage hardening with the addition of high diastase honey bee honey (HBH) and low diastase kelulut bee honey (KBH) into glutinous rice flour (GRF) gels. As compared to KBH, retardation of texture deterioration by HBH was more prominent as evidenced by the significantly (p < .05) lowest hardness and rate of hardening of GRF gel added with HBH (honeygel) throughout the 7-day storage. Heated honey and sugar solution did not reduce gel hardness that gel weakening was associated to the naturally occurring diastase in raw honey. Hence, only conventional GRF gel (congel), GRF gel added with KBH (kelugel) and honeygel were assessed for intrinsic viscosity, thermal, microstructural and chemical properties. The results were substantiated by the significantly (p < .05) lowest intrinsic viscosity (62.93 mL/g) and thermal enthalpy (333.7 J/g) of honeygel. A weak gel network structure was illustrated in honeygel with the significantly (p < .05) highest pore diameter (125.27 μm). In conclusion, the GRF gel has successfully demonstrated the potential of honey diastase in inhibiting the long-term retrogradation which could solve the industrial real problem.

Efficacy of Various Concentrations of Honey Solution in the Fixation of Some Selected Tissues in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Honey is thought to preserve the cells by preventing autolysis and putrefaction. Thus, studies have shown that honey has a good preventive putrefactive property mainly because honey contains seven tetracycline derivatives, fatty acids, lipids, amylases and ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, honey is used as an agent for preventing autolysis and putrefaction.&#x0D; Aim: This research aims to investigate the efficacy of some concentrations of the honey solution in fixation of some tissues (Such as kidney, liver, heart, lungs and muscle).&#x0D; Methodology: A Wistar rat was sacrificed by vertical abdominal incision and the above-mentioned organs ware fixed in 10% formalin (positive control), 10% honey and 20% honey this grouped the research specimen into 3 groups. Histological examinations of these organs were carried out. &#x0D; Results: Almost all the histological sections fixed in honey solution revealed normal nuclear as well as a cytoplasmic outline as compared with formalin-fixed organs, except for muscle which shown some level of swollen and fragmenting tissue.

Evaluation of priming media and queen cup material on larval graft acceptance and queen emergence in Apis mellifera L.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of seven different priming media viz.,Apple Juice, Coconut Water, Royal Jelly, Diluted Royal Jelly, Honey Solution, Sugar Syrup, Distilled Water and dry grafting(Control) and three queen cup material viz., old comb wax, new capping wax and plastic, on larval graft acceptance and queen emergence during mass queen rearing and the variations between Autumn and Spring season under mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. The larval graft acceptance as well as queen emergence(85.42% and 77.08%; 89.58% and 81.25%, respectively) during Autumn and Spring season, respectively was recorded significantly highest in royal jelly primed cups whereas lowest in non-primed cups. In queen cell cup material, the larval graft acceptance and queen emergence (62.50% and 57.03%; 67.97% and 63.28%, respectively) were observed maximum in old comb wax cups followed by new capping wax and plastic cups. No significant variations were recorded between spring and autumn season. The combined effect of cup material and priming media was also found non-significant. So, royal jelly as priming medium and old comb bees wax as artificial queen cell cup material are best for larval graft acceptance and queen emergence in Apis mellifera L. mass queen production in Spring and Autumn.

Parasitism potential of Diadegma argenteopilosa (Cameron) (Hymenoptera : Ichneumonidae), an internal larval parasitoid of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Diadegma argenteopilosa (Cameron) (Ichneumonidae: Hymenoptera) is an internal larval parasitoid of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), a notorious and polyphagus pest of pulses and vegetables in India. Attempt has been made to initiate their mass multiplication for successful biocontrol programme. Behavioral studies, food stuffs, host selection aspects plays a crucial role in mass multiplication of biocontrol agents. Therefore, present work was conducted to study the optimum host age, specificity and host density for maximum progeny production of the parasitoid under laboratory conditions and later their release in the field for the management of pest species. The parasitoid caused highest mortality in the pest larvae of second instars, 4 day old larvae were attacked most with high percent parasitism, 39.00%. Optimum density for maximum progeny production of D. argenteopilosa was 20, which generate maximum parasitism (43.00%). Host specificity by exposing the parasitoids towards different host species and analyse parasitoid preference by S. litura &gt; Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) &gt; Mythimna separata Walker &gt; Achaea janata (Linnaeus). Nutritional requirement of parasitoid was tested with different foodstuffs and found 50% honey best suited for maximum longevity 8.2 and 11.4 days for males and females respectively. The longevity ratio also female biased, 1: 1.39 (Male: Female). From the results it concludes that D. argenteopilosa fed with 50% honey solution, exposed to 3-5 day old caterpillars of S. litura at density of 20 gave maximum progeny production and effectively utilized in the biocontrol programme.