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Environmental determinants of honey bee productivity and the bioeconomics of apiculture in Armenia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the interplay between environmental conditions, honey bee colony biology, and economic performance of apiculture in Armenia. During 2024-2025, 120 colonies were monitored across varying elevations to assess climatic and pathological influences on productivity. Temperature was identified as a primary biological driver of foraging activity, with maximum daily honey yields of 10.6 kg per hive achieved within +18°C to +25°C. Varroosis, present in 47% of colonies, reduced honey production by 30-40%, representing a major challenge to agricultural productivity. Economic analysis of adaptive management strategies revealed that annual queen replacement increased commercial honey yields by 32.3%, while sixteen-frame hives boosted production efficiency by 24.1%, offering rapid returns on investment. Beyond direct honey production, pollination services to Armenian agriculture were valued at 10-15 times the market value of harvested honey. This integrated bioeconomic approach demonstrates that management practices adapted to local environmental conditions are essential for economically viable and sustainable apiculture.

Source: Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)

DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202623100027/pdf

Authors: Tatevik Shahinyan, Manush Minasyan

Institutions: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Armenian State University of Economics

Language: English

Topic: Insect and Pesticide Research

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7154019351

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