Productive qualities of bees of the Central Russian and Carpathian breeds

Abstract

The study evaluates the winter hardiness, spring development, and honey production of Central Russian honey bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and Carpathian honey bees (Apis mellifera carpatica) in the Chelyabinsk region. The research analyzes key parameters of wintering bee colonies, including colony strength in autumn, food consumption, level of chalkbrood disease, and varroa mite resistance. Results indicate that Central Russian honeybees exhibit high winter hardiness and disease resistance, contributing to their resilience during cold winter periods. Despite originating from warmer climates, Carpathian honey bees also demonstrated good winter hardiness, albeit with some susceptibility to chalkbrood disease. Both bee breeds showed comparable spring development, directly influencing overall honey production. Comparing honey productivity data revealed that Central Russian honey bees significantly outperformed Carpathian bees in terms of honey yield per harvesting period. Thus, the study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate bee breeds to ensure successful wintering and high honey productivity in harsh climates, crucial for effective beekeeping in the Chelyabinsk region and similar environments.