Search

The study was executed at Murree Hills, Pakistan to evaluate the effect of honey bee (Apis mellifera) foraging activities on number of apple fruits per panicle and enhancement of apple weight. Apple Ameri trees were applied with natural pollination (T1 ) , pollination by honey bees only (T2 ), natural pollination augmented with honey bees (T3 ) and no pollination (T4 ,control). There was a significant increase in the apple fruit setting and weight gain in pollinated plants compared to non-pollinated plants. Maximum number of fruits per panicle were 5.33±0.51(Mean±SE) whereas the highest fruit weight 170±2.65g (Mean±SE) was recorded in plants provided with augmentation of honey bees along with natural pollination. The lowest fruit weight of 80±3.05g (Mean±SE) and the minimum 0.33±0.19 (Mean±SE) fruits per panicle were observed in the plants with no pollination. There was 1515%, 406% and 909% percent increase in number of fruits per panicle in trees provided with different types of pollination viz., natural pollination plus honey bees augmentation (T3 ), plants pollinated with honey bees only (T2 ) and natural pollination treated plants (T1 ), respectively over the trees with no pollination. Similarly, the percent increase in apple weight gain over the control was recorded as 31%, 113% and 56% in trees provided with A. mellifera pollinated plants only (T2 ), plants naturally pollinated + augmentation of A. mellifera (T3 ) and plants having natural pollination (T1 ), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four pollen supplemental diets were tested for their performance in supporting the bee colonies of Apis mellifera during August, 2011 and January, 2012 in the premises of Honey bee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan, to investigate alternative nutrients to pollen grain. Sixteen A. mellifera bee hives were selected alike with respect to number of frames and bees present in them. Honey bee colonies were divided into four groups of four colonies each. The honey extracted from the T1 (soybean diet), T2 (gram diet), T3 (maize diet) and T4 (sugar only) was 21.3 kg ± 0.22, 24.4 kg ± 0.29, 19.3 kg ± 0.11 and 16 kg ± 0.11 respectively. The honey produced after the treatment of pollen with gram (T2) was significantly better than that produced by the bees fed on other pollen supplemental diets. There was no significant difference for royal jelly production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After designing new pollen trap a trial was laid down in March, 2011 in the premises of HBRI, NARC, Islamabad on sixteen honeybee colonies. All the colonies selected were alike with respect to number of frames and bees present in them. The colonies were divided into four groups. On the first group the Gujranwala (local) pollen trap was clipped while on the second group the newly devised HBRI trap was clipped, on the third group bottom board pollen trap was fitted and on the fourth group Chinese pollen trap was clipped. The pollen drops down through the screens into pollen tray. The weight of pollen collected was compared and it was found that newly design pollen trap (second group) highly significant differ as compared to other three groups (Gujranwala, bottom board, china trap). The total yield of pollen from Gujranwala trap, HBRI, fixed bottom board and the china clipped trap in gm were found to be 83.00 ± 3.92 (Mean ± SE) ,121.50 ± 2.87 (Mean ± SE), 79.50 ± 2.33 (Mean ± SE), 66.00 ± 1.78 (Mean ± SE) respectively. The honey extracted from bee hives with all types of pollen traps was compared and no difference was observed in honey yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which aimed to determine the efficacy of formic acid and thymol against ectoparasitic brood mite Tropilaelaps clareae and to observe the honey production of colonies treated with formic acid and thymol at Honeybee Research Institute of National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. Results show that formic acid killed significantly higher number of mites as compared to thymol. It was also found that total honey production harvested from colonies treated with different acaricides remained the same.

Simple Summary: Over the past few decades, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has been a significant threat to managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. Many control methods, including application of synthetic acaricides, have been adopted to control the infestation of varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Synthetic acaricides such as coumaphos and fluvalinate are only effective in reducing susceptible mites. Besides, synthetic acaricides pose multiple threats to honey bee colonies and the environment, necessitating their alteration with non-synthetic options. Naturally occurring compounds are considered an essential alternative control measure for varroa mites. Natural acaricides are derived from plants that contain essential oils or organic acids. The current study investigated the efficacy of formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol in the control of Varroa mites. These soft acaricides were applied at various concentrations/quantities. Formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol were all effective at lowering mite population levels. Formic acid, oxalic acid, and thymol can be used in an integrated management plan to control varroa mite populations. This scientific-based information can be shared with the beekeeping community of Pakistan and elsewhere, which will be helpful in managing this parasite that often affects honey bee productivity. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential for their products—honey, royal jelly, pollen, propolis and beeswax. They are also indispensable because they support ecosystems with their pollination services. However, the production and functions of honey bees are hindered by the arthropod pest Varroa destructor, which attacks bees through its feeding activities. Efforts to control varroa mites have been made through the development of various synthetic pesticide groups, but have had limited success because the mites developed resistance and some of these pesticides are harmful to bees. Branded pesticides are rarely used in Pakistan, as beekeepers utilize acaricides from unknown sources. There is a need to create awareness of available naturally occurring acaricides that may serve as an alternative to synthetic acaricides. Although some naturally occurring compounds are considered toxic to the environment, the soft acaricides oxalic acid, thymol, and formic acid 65% are usually safe for honey bee colonies and beekeepers, when handled appropriately. The current study investigated the effectiveness of formic acid (10, 15, and 20 mL/hive), oxalic acid (4.2, 3.2, and 2.1%/hive), and thymol (6, 4, and 2 g/hive) in controlling mite infestation. The results indicated that all treatments significantly reduced the mite population (p < 0.05). The average efficacies of oxalic acid at 3.2% (94.84% ± 0.34) and 4.2% (92.68% ± 0.37) were significantly higher than those of the other treatments. The lowest efficacy was recorded in formic acid 65% at 10 mL (54.13%). Overall, the results indicated that soft acaricides—such as oxalic acid at 3.2% and 4.2% concentrations—are very effective at controlling varroa mites and can be used in broodless conditions without side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The experiment was conducted at University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha during 2015. The apiary had 20 Langstroth standard colonies of Apis mellifera naturally infested with Varroa destructor. Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is the most destructive pest of honeybees and a major threat to beekeepers in different areas of the world. Many control measures including application of chemicals, are adopted to control the infestation of mites in honey bee colonies. Chemical are still the most effective option; however, they pose different threats; due to which they should be alternated with non chemical options. Natural acaricides are considered important alternative control measure for Varroa mites. This study was planned to check the efficacy of different essential oils (Lemon oil, Eucalyptus oil, Wintergreen oil, Orange oil and Neem oil) in different concentrations against percent mortality of Varroa mites. The essential oils were applied at different concentrati ns (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 400 ppm) and percent mortality data were recorded after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hrs of the application. The results of present study were showed that lemon oil and eucalyptus oils were best compounds to manage Varroa mites at 200 ppm concentration. Percent mortality of Varroa mites was 59.2% and 58.3%, respectively after 72 hrs. When selected essential oils with different concentrations were applied against Varroa, no mortality of bees was observed. Neem oil gave (90%) significant control at 400 ppm concentration. There was no significant mortality observed in winter green oil. So, the neem oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon oil can be used against Varroa mites to improve the production of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]