Influence of temperature on nectar collection and storage in the hive during honey harvest

Abstract

The research aim was to study the temperature influence on nectar collection and storage in the hive by working bees during the harvesting. In the carried out research, during the honey harvest from the nectar - poliniferous plants (white acacia, linden and sunflower), were studied the air temperature and the quantity of nectar collected and stored in the hive by daily weighing of hives. The hives were on the control scales. In Republic of Moldova the total area of white acacia plantations from the forest fund is 98630.2 ha, linden plantations - 4580.3 ha and sunflower - 223910.6 ha., At the harvesting during the active season in one day from white acacia the maximum amount of collected nectar in the hive was 9.1 kg, from linden - 5.5 kg and sunflower - 6.5 kg, that depends on the weather conditions, especially on the air temperature while the harvesting is done. The total amount of collected and stored nectar, in one hive and also recorded on the control scales, was from: white acacia - 46.9 kg, linden -50.0 kg and from sunflower -88.2 kg, and during 2016 active season was - 185.1 kg. Pastoral bee keeping can ensure the use of nectar - poliniferous harvests during the apicultural season and the pollination of entomophilous crops, increasing the honey productivity at 185.1 kg from one bee family and enhance the quality of fruits and seeds.