In this work, the mating performance of queens was determined using the delayed
mating flight method for both queens and drones. The experiment was carried out in
two replicates in an area near central Slovenia called Brezovica. The replicates took
place in June and July. In both the first and second replicates, 30 bee colonies were
included in the experiment, which were housed in specially adapted mating hives. In
the first replicate, we observed the departure and arrival of queens without the
addition of time-manipulated drones in the area. In the second replicate, three
colonies with timed drones were added and the departure and arrival of queens were
again recorded. The queens were released for mating at two specific times: 5:17 pm
and 6:17 pm. In the control group, no time limits were set for the mating flights. After
analyzing the results, we found that all queens in the experimental groups were
successfully mated despite the delayed mating flights. In both replicates, the highest
number of flights was recorded on the first day of observation, while the lowest
number was recorded on the fifth and last day of observation. Furthermore, the
duration of the mating trip was longest in both replicates when the queen returned
with visible nuptial signs. We suggest conducting a larger study with a larger number
of queens and investigating the characteristics of the queens used in the test groups.
|
