Effect Of Sucrose, Glucose, Fructose, Glucose-Fructose Mixture, and Crushed Lollipops (A Lollipop Is A Type of Sugar Candy) On Sealed Brood Production And Honey Storage In Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Colonies

Document Type : Original research paper

Authors

1 faculty of agriculture

2 Emeritus prof-Economic Entomology, plant production dept. Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta university

3 Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Honeybee nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy colony, directly influencing brood development, honey production, and foraging efficiency. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of different sugars on honeybee colony activity across seasons, identifying the most effective feeding strategies for maintaining productivity. Twenty-four colonies of approximately equal strength were fed weekly, with feeding frequency adjusted seasonally. Colony activity was measured by assessing sealed brood areas and sealed honey. Data were collected before and 12 days after feeding. Seasonal variations were evident, with peak activity in May, June, and August and a decline in March and October. Sucrose consistently promoted high activity, particularly in August (690.25), while crushed lollipops also resulted in God performance in June (630.25) and August (640.25). Fructose surpassed sucrose in April (153.75), indicating a seasonal preference. The glucose-fructose mix and glucose showed moderate performance, while the control group had the lowest activity, highlighting the necessity of supplemental feeding. Late spring and early summer favored sucrose and crushed lollipops, whereas fructose and the glucose-fructose mixture provided seasonal benefits. These findings emphasize the importance of seasonally adjusted feeding strategies to optimize colony health and productivity.

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