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Comparing alternative methods of introducing virgin queens (Apis mellifera L.) into mating hives
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 09:44 authored by Juan Antonio Pérez-Sato, Francis RatnieksThree methods of introducing virgin queens into mating hives were compared with the standard method of using a "ripe" queen cell. Virgins were introduced into queenless mating nucleus hives (5-frame medium Langstroth) using a wooden mailing cage with candy and attendant bees and were released three days later. When the caged virgins were 0-1 days old when introduced, the proportion giving rise to an egg-laying queen (65%) was almost as high as with cells (70%) (P = 0.63, test). Success dropped to 55% (P = 0.04) for 3-4 day old virgins. If the virgin was introduced into a queenright mating hive for three additional days before the colony queen was removed the success rate was only 29% (P = 0.001). Across all methods, most queen loss occurred in the introduction/emergence period, with only one third in the mating period. The time taken to start egg laying, which averaged 12.9 days from emergence, did not vary significantly among methods.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
ApidologieISSN
0044-8435External DOI
Issue
5Volume
37Page range
571-576Pages
6.0Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-02-06Usage metrics
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