SOME FACTORS AFFECTING LOSSES OF HONEY BEE COLONIES IN ASSIUT GOVERNORATE (UPPER EGYPT).

doi:10.21608/aunj.2018.221321

SOME FACTORS AFFECTING LOSSES OF HONEY BEE COLONIES IN ASSIUT GOVERNORATE (UPPER EGYPT).

Document Type : Novel Research Articles

10.21608/aunj.2018.221321

Abstract

Rate of honey bee colonies losses in Assiut governorate during winter of the four years, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, was discussed. The survey was applied on four levels of apiaries. Percentages of colonies losses and the potential causes were obtained through the questionnaire method. Results summarized responses of 148, beekeepers who's managed 20,532 colonies in September. The beekeepers had a general total loss of 3966 colonies each year during wintering period from September to March. The decline in the colonies number were, 18.37% in 2012/2013; 17.45% in 2013/2014; 18. 4% in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 18.46%. The survey data indicated that colony losses varied widely depending on the size of the commercial and semi-commercial beekeepers (size > 200 and 101-200 colonies) lost few colonies than the hobbyist and intermediate Beekeepers. Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis); pesticides and CCD-like symptoms and poor quality queens were the main causes for colony losses as reported by most beekeepers. The survey provides information for developing strategies to mitigate colony losses and improving colony health. Finally, such a questionnaire should be circulated throughout all Egyptian governorates to understand the problem and find out the resolve.

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