Sugar Syrup as Substitute. for Nectar: Effect on Production and Density of the Honeybee, Apis mellifera andemsonii (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in Artificial Beehive.
DOI:36108/NJE/7002/42.0160
FASASI, K: A., MALA.KA. S. L. O. AND AMUND, O. O.
ABSTRACT. The effect of sugar syrup on colonies of Apis mellifera adansonii (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in an apiary at University of Lagos, was studied and the colonies were monitored between Nov. 2001 and Oct. 2003. During this period, sugar syrup was administered as nectar substitute to Colonies A and B and colonies C and D which lacked sugar syrup served as controls. In the 1st dry season (Nov. 2001 ~ Apr. 2002), the production of colonies A and B were 35.0kg and 30.5kg and their population densities were 24,610 and 22,727, respectively, while the production of colonies C and D were 37.0kg and 40.5kg and the population densities were 27,040 and 29,790 respectively. In the I” wet season (May 2002 – Oct. 2002), colonies A and B weighed 24.5kg and 22.5kg, respectively, while their population densities were 25,360 and 23,810, respectively. Colonies C and D weighed 22.5kg and 24.0kg and their population densities were 15,846 and 22,500, respectively. Colonies A and B weighed 42.5kg and 39.0kg. and had population density of 34,770 and 33,240 respectively in the 2nd dry season (Nov. 2002 – Apr. 2003). Colonies C and D had comparatively lower production (29.5kg and 35.5kg) and population densities (25,592 and 31,634, respectively). This study showed that administration of sugar syrup to colonies of A. mellifera adansonii in wet season sustained more population of bees for foraging activities in the 2nd dry season. This significantly increased population and production in colonies A and B in the 2nd dry season.