Efficient Methods for Rearing Strong Bee Queens

Abstract

The aim was to choose the most efficient method to rear genetically strong queens: by overcrowding swarm or by orphaning the bees. The experiment was conducted in a private apiary in Teleorman County, between April and September 2015. The study was conducted on twenty colonies. The bees were housed in multi-story hives. The queens obtained by overcrowding swarm method had higher prolificacy, good organization of brood on frames and higher honey production. This method is indicated in apiaries with many hives, increasing the efficiency and productivity of bee colonies. The queens obtained by orphaning method assured bee families with low swarming predisposition. This method is indicated in small apiaries by reducing the labour intensity.

Keywords

• bee queen
• rearing method