Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Given honey bees’ biological characteristics, none of their individuals can form a new colony independently. In the process of evolution, honey bees have adapted to increase their numbers and spread over space through a complex, multi-stage natural process, such as swarming. Most anti-swarming techniques used in practical beekeeping only partially solve the problem of swarming colonies, not eliminating it. The processes happening in the body of worker bees in preparation for swarming are yet to be studied sufficiently. This work presents data from experimental studies of the mechanism of influence of trophic relationships of bees with honey plants on swarming and productivity of colonies during heavy honey collection. The goal of the work was to study the effect of honey collection from black locusts (Robinia pseudo acacia) on the swarming state and honey and wax productivity of bees. Methods of research. Zootechnical (selection of groups of analogs, accounting for honey and wax), biological (development of fat body, live weight) analytical (analysis of literature data and research results), and statistical (biometric data processing). Biometric data processing was performed using MS Excel software with built-in statistical functions. The average live weight of bees with signs of swarming was 5,6 % higher than the control. The difference in the amount of synthesized wax between the colonies’ groups not stastically significant. The bees in the control group built 11,7 fewer combs than the experimental group of colonies. The honey productivity results of the experimental group colonies were higher - by 12,8 kg, compared to the control group. Providing colonies in swarming conditions with productive honey collection promotes the transition to working conditions. The preparation of a bee colony for swarming, based on the study of the physiological characteristics of bees, can be noticed long before the swarm leaves – 15-20 days prior. In preparation for swarming, the de gree of fat body development among the worker bees and their live weight increase. The increased development of the fat body in bees that will form the basis of the swarm is primarily due to the high energy expenditure involved in creating a new nest and foraging. Monitoring the physiological parameters of worker bees can serve as a bio test of the bee colony’s readiness for swarming long before the swarm emerges. Key words: swarming, Ukrainian steppe breed, fat body, honey collection, honey productivity, trophic relationships.
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412068100