Caracterização fenotípica de colmeias de Apis mellifera sp. em Catolé do Rocha-PB.

Abstract

World beekeeping has evolved recently, in the sense of increasing production levels and standardizing its processes. High levels of production can only be achieved by simultaneously improving the genetic makeup of animals and environmental conditions. Given the above, the objective of this study was to phenotypically characterize Apis mellifera sp. in Catolé do Rocha-PB with a view to participatory genetic improvement (MGP). For that, productive characterization (honey, wax and propolis) was carried out in Apis hives. Honey production was measured by weighing the frames of mature honey harvested from the hives of each colony. Seven hives were used to collect the phenotypic variables during the period of May and September 2019 and 2020 and May 2021. The average production of honey, wax and propolis/hive was 4,642.2, 516.4 and 17.7g respectively, which is considered very low for honey and propolis production. The production of the UEPB apiary is below the average expected for the region, which suggests that new measures related to management should be taken. The correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the variables, showing that they are sufficiently interconnected. Thus, it is concluded that it is possible to select hives with good honey, wax and propolis productivity, enabling their proper management.