Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China
The worldwide value of the honey bee as an agricultural animal is increasingly being recognized. Not only does the honey bee directly produce useful agricultural products, but also large portions of crops are dependent on the pollination activities of honey bees. <i>Apis cerana</i> (<...
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Life |
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| author | Xinying Qu Xinru Zhang Guiqian Zhang Hanrong Qin Huixia Zhang Huiyu Tian Xiao Chen |
| author_facet | Xinying Qu Xinru Zhang Guiqian Zhang Hanrong Qin Huixia Zhang Huiyu Tian Xiao Chen |
| author_sort | Xinying Qu |
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| description | The worldwide value of the honey bee as an agricultural animal is increasingly being recognized. Not only does the honey bee directly produce useful agricultural products, but also large portions of crops are dependent on the pollination activities of honey bees. <i>Apis cerana</i> (<i>A. cerana</i>), the native honey bee of China, is widely distributed in the country. Studying the biological environment and colony management of <i>A. cerana</i> is important for its conservation and breeding. This study investigated the apiculture of <i>A. cerana</i> among a total of 201 beekeepers in the eastern, southern, northwestern and central regions of China and conducted data analysis on the surveyed data. The results showed that the most favorite traits for beekeepers are colony size, colony health and honey production. Compared with <i>Apis mellifera ligustica</i>, <i>A. cerana</i> is more adaptable to low temperature and scattered nectar sources. The results help to optimize the breeding programs of <i>A. cerana</i> and further contribute to substantive breeding accomplishments with honey bees which have enhanced their role in modern agriculture. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4fdc9ed16950454e926697aa302e17cb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj-art-4fdc9ed16950454e926697aa302e17cb2025-01-24T13:38:26ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292024-12-01151910.3390/life15010009Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in ChinaXinying Qu0Xinru Zhang1Guiqian Zhang2Hanrong Qin3Huixia Zhang4Huiyu Tian5Xiao Chen6State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, ChinaCollege of Bioscience and Resource Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, ChinaGansu Institute of Apicultural Research, Tianshui 741022, ChinaGuangxi Beekeeping Guidance Station, Nanning 530012, ChinaGuangdong Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Guangzhou 510520, ChinaYulin City of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Center, Yulin 719000, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, ChinaThe worldwide value of the honey bee as an agricultural animal is increasingly being recognized. Not only does the honey bee directly produce useful agricultural products, but also large portions of crops are dependent on the pollination activities of honey bees. <i>Apis cerana</i> (<i>A. cerana</i>), the native honey bee of China, is widely distributed in the country. Studying the biological environment and colony management of <i>A. cerana</i> is important for its conservation and breeding. This study investigated the apiculture of <i>A. cerana</i> among a total of 201 beekeepers in the eastern, southern, northwestern and central regions of China and conducted data analysis on the surveyed data. The results showed that the most favorite traits for beekeepers are colony size, colony health and honey production. Compared with <i>Apis mellifera ligustica</i>, <i>A. cerana</i> is more adaptable to low temperature and scattered nectar sources. The results help to optimize the breeding programs of <i>A. cerana</i> and further contribute to substantive breeding accomplishments with honey bees which have enhanced their role in modern agriculture.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/9<i>Apis cerana</i>traitsbiological characteristicscolony management |
| spellingShingle | Xinying Qu Xinru Zhang Guiqian Zhang Hanrong Qin Huixia Zhang Huiyu Tian Xiao Chen Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China Life <i>Apis cerana</i> traits biological characteristics colony management |
| title | Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China |
| title_full | Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China |
| title_fullStr | Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China |
| title_full_unstemmed | Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China |
| title_short | Investigations on Beekeeping and Breeding of <i>Apis cerana</i> in China |
| title_sort | investigations on beekeeping and breeding of i apis cerana i in china |
| topic | <i>Apis cerana</i> traits biological characteristics colony management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/9 |
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