Determinant biological indicators of colony strength in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

Despite the high demand in both local and international market for honey and its related products, beekeepers are unable to supply the required volumes. Honey production especially in Uganda remains suboptimal, several factors being attributed as causes of these low supplies. As part of the mechanisms to address the limitations to honey production, this study investigated the common honeybee pests in Northern Uganda and determine their impact on colony strength. Management practices that lead to increased honey production were also investigated. A cross section study was conducted where a total of 40 beehives inspected for pests, brood patterns and honey. From the study the most common pest was the small hive beetle (94%, n =40) and black ants (56%, n =40). The least common pests were wax moth (28%, n =40) and red ants (24%, n =40). Colonies with least pests were stronger. Most farmers (80%) were not applying good management practices such bush clearing, pest management, and routine hive inspections. From this findings we conclude that mostly the beekeepers poor management practices were the limitation to high honey production. Which could be attributed to either limited or poor quality of training in good beekeeping practices. Hence there is need to expose these beekeepers to practical training on the subject for improved honey production. Keyword: Honeybee, colony