A comparison of package and nucleus production from honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

Abstract

In April, various combinations of packages and/or nuclei were removed from colonies to determine the biological and economic impact of package and/or nucleus production on these col- onies. All colonies used for bee production yielded greater economic returns than the control colo- nies from which no packages or nuclei were removed. In addition, the colonies used for package and/or nucleus production did not differ significantly from the control colonies by the end of the sea- son in nearly all of the biological characteristics monitored. The results indicate that both package and nucleus production is feasible in the Lower Fraser Valley area of BC, and would provide local beekeepers with additional income. -