Early and mass rearing of drones in Apis mellifera

Early, selective and mass rearing of drones in case of Apis mellifera may help in selective breeding in order to improve the bee stock and make the beekeeping more profitable and successful. Strong bee colonies with desired characters, more emerging brood and reserve food (pollen, nectar and honey) can be stimulated to produce drones by providing 50 percent sugar solution and frames with empty drone combs. Drones were produced 5 weeks earlier in experimental colonies as compared to untreated colonies. So this study provides simple, suitable and economic method of selective breeding. Mass production of drones also ensures queen mating.