Studies on correlation coefficient (r) between different parameters of Apis mellifera queen-less colonies in Mid Hill of North West Himalayas

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine Correlation coefficient (r) between different parameters of Apis mellifera queen-less colonies under the conditions of Kangra valley. Apis mellifera Linnaeus colonies of different strength viz. 4, 8, 10, 12 bee frames covered with bees frames using modified Doolittle method of queen rearing was assessed. Per cent queen cells finished were found to be significantly correlated with strength of the colony i.e. frames covered with bees as well as weight of bees, area of sealed brood in a colony and consumption of sugar syrup (r = 0.8254, 0.8355, 0.6625, respectively). The same colony can be used both as starter as well as finisher colony.