The investigation of quality features of Turkish commercial honey bee queens (Apis mellifera L.) in different seasons | [Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences • 2023]

Author(s):

1. Salim Aktürk: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

2. Ahmet Şekeroğlu: Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University,Niğde,Türkiye

3. Samet Okuyan: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

4. Gökhan Akdeniz: Aegean Agricultural Research Institute,İzmir,Türkiye

5. Yeliz Kasko Arıcı: Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine,Ordu,Türkiye

6. Serhat Solmaz: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

7. Neslihan Çakıcı: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

8. Saffet Sansar: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

9. Süleyman Alparslan: Apiculture Research Institute,Ordu,Türkiye

Abstract:

The quality of queen bees plays a crucial role in colony losses and overall productivity. However, there is a lack of studies utilizing commercially available queen bees with a substantial sample size. This study aims to address this research gap by assessing the quality attributes of queens sold in Türkiye and investigating the influence of season and breeds on these attributes. Anonymously obtained from 15 different queen producers across five regions in three different seasons, queens were evaluated, based on reproductive criteria. In addition to these queen producers, we also included queens from Apiculture Research Institute, in which this study was conducted. Weight features and dissection characteristics were found to be influenced by the time period and ecotypes. This study examined the average diameter of the spermatheca, with measurements of 1.148 mm in April-May, 1.109 mm in July, and 1.115 mm in September. The average overall sperm count recorded was approximately 4.086 million. It is considered that this number is adequate and could be further improved by applying elements such as optimal location selection, drone cultivation, and correct and thorough implementation of the production method. While this study revealed multiple advantages of Yigilca Ecotype queen bees, the findings did not establish a substantial advantage over other breeds to recommend their widespread usage in beekeeping enterprises. To make definitive suggestions, it is crucial to conduct similar research over multiple years and assess colony growth in regions favored by migratory beekeepers during winter. The findings of this study provide valuable information about the quality of available queens from different regions and ecotypes in different seasons, aiding beekeepers in making informed decisions when purchasing queen bees. Additionally, the research offers valuable insights for queen bee producers, assisting in the timing of queen bee rearing operations based on specific regions and ecotypes.

Page(s): 219-226

DOI: 10.21162/PAKJAS/23.37

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Volume: 60, Issue: 2, Year: 2023

Keywords:

breeds , Sperm count , Season , dissection , migratory beekeeper

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