Improved Colony [Scutellata] Management Findings:
To test whether the distance between the A.M.Scutellata queen (in the brood chamber) and the workers (in the top supers) had an effect on the development of capensis laying worker development, two sets of colonies were compared:
In the one set, two supers were added while four supers were added to the second set. These two sets were similarly managed in all other aspects for a one-year period.
Results: The colonies with four supers were more likely to be taken over than those with only two supers. In other words, more supers equals more Capensis laying.
Findings: It will, therefore, be better to keep Scutellata colonies smaller and rather harvesting more often than stacking supers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Testing on pollination colonies:
The effect of colony manipulations and/or stress placed on the Scutellata queen and colony during migratory beekeeping in a commercial operation was tested.
The percentage colony loss in two sets of colonies:one of which followed the standard migratory route of 5 moves whereas the other followed a presumably less stressful route of two moves was compared.
Results: Scutellata colonies moved more often were more like to be taken over.
Whether it was the stress placed on the colonies or the increased chances of drifting due to the increased manipulations and re-orientation of bees moved to new areas was not ascertained.
Findings: Another interesting finding was that the beekeeper's profit margin was greater with fewer migrations.
For more articles and bee info like this, follow us for free on Facebook and YouTube. Click the links below. | 
