Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 28, No 1 (2015)

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Comparative studies on the foraging behaviour of yellow and black colour morphs of Apis cerana Fab. over seasons in Western Ghats of Karnataka

Ningappa Banakar, S.T. Prabhu

Abstract


An experiment was conducted in the apiary of Agricultural Research Station, Sirsi, Karnataka in winter and summer seasons to study the comparative foraging behaviour of yellow and black colour morphs of Apis cerana Fab. The results of comparison study showed that the black hill morph and yellow plain morphs performed on par with each other with respect to number of outgoing bees and pollen gatherers; however, there was significant difference between yellow and black morphs with respect to number of nectar gatherers. Yellow colour morphs recorded significantly more number of nectar gatherers over black colour morphs in both winter and summer seasons. Black colour morphs bees started leaving earlier in morning for foraging when compared to yellow colour morphs in both the seasons. Number of outgoing bees of both colour morphs recorded higher in summer compared to winter season. This study has the significance of introduction and utilization of geographically distinct yellow plain colour morphs into highly potential flora rich bio-diversity of Western Ghat ecosystem. The study showed that yellow morphs performed on par with black colour morphs and also significantly better with respect to number of nectar gatherers.

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