Stingless Bee Colony Propagation Through Hose Method: Effectiveness and Practicality
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Stingless bees (Meliponini) are essential pollinators in tropical ecosystems, yet traditional colony propagation methods-such as splitting and brood transfer-are labor-intensive and often stressful to colonies. The Hose Method, a newly introduced technique, aims to minimize disturbance by transferring bees and brood through a hose system. Empirical evaluation of its effectiveness and practicality remains limited. Methods: A one-year comparative experiment was conducted using 30 Tetragonula biroi colonies divided equally between traditional propagation and the Hose Method, with three replications per treatment. Monthly measurements included establishment success rates, brood cell counts, honey and pollen production, queen health, labor inputs, time requirements and cost efficiency. Chi-square tests and independent t-tests were used for statistical comparisons. Result: The Hose Method achieved a higher colony establishment success rate (87%) than traditional methods (60%) (χ2 = 3.75, p = 0.053). Colonies propagated through the Hose Method exhibited significantly greater brood development (p = 0.0001), honey production (p less than 0.0001) and pollen storage (p less than 0.0001). Practicality metrics strongly favored the Hose Method, with significantly reduced time, labor and cost. Sustainability indicators, including survival rate, long-term productivity and beekeeper satisfaction, were significantly higher (p less than 0.0001).
DOI: 10.18805/ag.df-814
Author: Nero M. Paderes
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154701774