Comparative Seasonal Yield of Colonies of Apis mellifera adansonii (Hymenoptera: Apidea) in Response to some Environmental Variables

摘要

Comparative seasonal yield of colonies of Apis mellifera adansonii (Hymenoptera: Apidea) in response to environmental variables such as ambient temperature and relative humidity in relation to colony productivity was studied for two years. Ambient and hives temperatures, relative humidity and colony biomass were monitored using digital thermometer, thermo-hygrometer and weighing balance, respectively. The correlation trends of ambient temperatures and relative humidity in both seasons (Dry and wet seasons) influenced the productivity of A. mellifera adansonii . From this study, the ambient temperatures and relative humidity of the beekeeping environment affected the activities of the bee colonies seasonally. The beehives tend to be more productive in dry season than in wet season. The mean monthly fluctuation of hive temperatures between November, 2011 and October, 2013 followed the pattern of fluctuation of ambient temperatures. This showed that the ambient temperature and relative humidity dictate the level of bee activities in hives and their environment of which if monitored regularly could be used to determine harvest period in the zone. However, there is need for further study to determine other factors which may probably contribute to colony productivity of A. mellifera adansonii in the studied zone.