The Effects of Hive Type and Wintering Methods on Wintering Losses in Honeybee, A. mellifera L., Colonies in Erzurum Conditions

Authors: Ferat GENÇ, Osman KAFTANOĞLU

Abstract: This research was carried out to investigate the effects of hive type and wintering methods on wentering losses in honeybee, A. mellifera L., colonies in wooden and styrofoam hives in Erzurum conditions and to determine suitable wintering model for this region. Wooden hives for the treatment groups of A, B and C and styrofoam hives for the treatment groups of D, E and F were used in this study. The colonies in groups of A and D wintered outdoor, B and E wintered indoor and C and F wintered under a shed. Colonies in group of A and D were taken out of the experiment in second year. As a result, wooden hives should be used for wintering to reduced the colony losses and bee mortality in the surviving colonies in Ezurum conditions. It was found that overwintering colonies outdoor without taking any precaution was not economic. Wintering colonies indoor or under a shed should be prefered to the wintering outdoor to reduce food consumption and bee losses. Temperature fluctuations during winter period increased food consumption of the colonies considerably.

Keywords: Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.), wintering, wintering losses