TESTING COLONIES OF INDIAN HONEYBEE, APIS CERANA FOR HYGIENIC BEHAVIOUR BY FREEZE-KILLING METHOD

摘要

Colonies of Indian honeybee, Apis cerana were tested for hygienic behaviour by freeze-killing method at three different sites. Out of seventeen colonies tested, eight colonies were considered hygienic as they removed >= 95 per cent dead brood within 48 hours, six colonies were intermediate hygienic with the brood removal of >= 50 to <95 per cent and three colonies were non-hygienic as they could remove <50 per cent dead brood. Colonies from Kuthanagere, Madhure and Hassan showed good hygienic behaviour when compared to colonies from other areas. Age of the dead brood influenced its removal as the newly sealed brood was removed faster than the older ones.