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Subject: Entomology × Author: Singh, Gurpreet × Start date: 2007 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Behaviour and performance of hived honey bees in reduced frame brood chamber
    (CSK HPKV, Palampur, 2022-12-28) Singh, Gurpreet; Kumar Sharma, Surender
    The present investigation entitled “Behaviour and performance of hived honey bees in reduced frame brood chamber” was carried out at CSKHPKV, Bee Research Station, Nagrota Bagwan and at farmer’s apiary adjoining to the station. Standard Langstroth bee hive and its prototypes with comb frame capacities of 7 & 8 frame were used to rear Apis mellifera honeybees and evaluated for colony performance, pest infestation, disease infection and colony hygiene. In case of Asian bee, Apis cerana ISI hive and two modified versions of ISI hive were also tested for performance parameters under mid hill conditions. In case of A. cerana, the significantly highest pollen area (118.35 cm2 ) nectar area (338.96 cm2 ) and bee strength (3.20 bee frames/colony) was recorded in modified 6 frame hive (1" internally reduced) during the month of February followed by 8 frame hive (2" internally reduced) and standard ISI hive. The maximum infestation of wax moth was recorded in ISI hive (14.32 cm2 ) followed by modified 6 frame (9.60 cm2 ) and 8 frame (7.32 cm2 ). The significantly better and highest bee strength in A. mellifera was recorded in 8-frame (9.00 bee frames/colony) in June and also the brood area (3646.70 cm2 ) in April. Peak incidence of European foul brood disease was recorded in 7 frame hive (4.10%) followed by standard LS hive (4.05%) and 8 frame hive (3.84). Maximum average Sac brood virus disease incidence was in 10-frame hive in April (3.10 %) while no disease was observed in 8 frame LS hive. Significantly higher incidence of V. auraria was recorded during August in treatments where LS hive was used to rear the bees. The maximum population of V. basalis (4.53 wasp/5min/colony) and V. tropica (2.01 wasps/5 min/colony) was recorded during September. However, greater wax moth incidence was not severe but it was observed in all the test hives. The colony hygiene in terms of removal of dead larvae after 24- 72 hours was recorded better in reduced chamber hives as compared to LS hive brood chamber. Thus, it could be inferred from the present studies that under mid hills conditions of H.P. during dearth period where A. cerana tends absconding and A, mellifera dwindles, reduced bee frame brood chambers of Langstroth hives for A. mellifera proved better whereas for A. cerana modified version of ISI hive with 6 frames may be suitable.