Physiological effects of some pollen substitutes diets on caged honey bee workers Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)‎

Abstract EN

Nutritional value of four proteinaceous diets and its physiological effect on honey bee workers were evaluated under laboratory conditions.

The tested diets were as follows, diet 1 (Date syrup, skimmed milk powder and dried brewer's yeast), diet 2 (Turmeric, fenugreek powders and dried brewer's yeast), diet 3 (Chick pea flour, wheat germ and dried brewer's yeast) and diet 4 (Soybean meal, skimmed milk powder and dried brewer's yeast).

Apis mellifera L.(Hymenoptera: Apidae) carnica was used in small groups of caged honey bee workers.

The consumption rate, longevity, hypopharyngeal glands development degree (HPG) and rectal contents were determined.

The greatest consumption rate was recorded for the control group which fed with bee bread and the lowest one recorded for diet 4.

Feeding bees on diet 3 gave the longest LT50 (27.0 days) after the controlled bees, which gave LT50 (29.0 days).

On the other hand, the honey bee workers that fed on diet 4 gave the lowest LT50 (20.5 days).

The highest degree (3.78 HPG degree) of gland development was recorded at 9 days old in bees fed on bee bread followed by those fed on diet 3 (3.24 HPG degree).

Whereas, the lowest developed HPG (2.14HPG degree) was obtained in bees fed on diet 4.

The results of rectal content weight of honey bee workers reflect the suitability of diet 3, diet 1 and diet 2 for honey bee workers which recorded 13.43, 16.03 and 16.12 mg/bee/3 days, respectively.Accordingly, the diet 3 had good nutritive value for honey bee colonies which help bees to establish healthy colonies with good production.