Effectiveness of training in enhancing knowledge of beekeepers: A study in Bihar

Abstract

The present study was carried out at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar. Genus Apis is the most studied because of their fascinating and complex lifestyle, communication systems, role as keystone and the valuable hive products that they produce. Recently a sharp decline in population of Apis mellifera has been observed throughout the World. Among the various factors, the major one is the use of different classes of pesticides, neonicotinoids in particular. Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoids, is widely used against sucking pest in various crops inluding mustard to which honey bees are attract largely. The present study try find out the possible effect of thiamethoxam on growth, development of Apis mellifera colony. The risk to honey bee colonies in the field was investigated by exposing the colonies to thiamethoxam treated mustard crop at rates recommended for insect control. Throughout the study, brood and capped cell area were found to be lower in colonies exposed to thiamethoxam treated fields as compare to control condition.