Apiculture in Israel

Abstract

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) has a thousand years of history in this part of Asia. The native honey bee race is considered to be A. mellifera syriaca. This subspecies was generally replaced by a more docile subspecies A. mellifera ligustica, but members of other subspecies are also occasionally introduced. Only about parts of the country area are suitable for honey bees due to very limited vegetation arid conditions in the southern part of the country. The majority of the colonies are concentrated at the center and north of the country reaching density of more than 14 colonies per square kilometers. To supplement bee forage, Eucalyptus trees are planted intensively around the country. Local beekeepers practice modern methods of beekeeping using Langstroth hive boxes. All professional beekeepers usually treat their colonies preventively against Varroa destructor mites and foulbrood diseases. Many beekeepers also treat preventively against Nosema disease. Despite regular management, Varroa and viruses remain a major obstacle for successful beekeeping.