1Department of Agricultural Statistics, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar - 736 165, West Bengal, India
Department of Entomology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar - 736 165, West Bengal, India
*Corresponding author's E-mail: rijunath1996@gmail.com
Online published on 21 April, 2023.
A study was conducted on foraging activity of A. mellifera in litchi at different hours of the day. Six numbers of strong A. mellifera colonies were placed in the orchard. Maximum foraging activity was recorded during the 9 -11 h of the day. It was found that the forager abundance at this time was 11.00 and 10.00 foragers/m2/min during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Foraging speed was also recorded maximum during 9 -11 h. During this time period minimum foraging rate was found as 8.167 and 7.583 flowers/forager/min during 2019 and 2020, respectively. The study revealed a negative correlation between the foraging speed and foraging rate. As the time passes the foraging speed started decreasing and foraging rate started increasing.
Apis mellifera, Foraging activity, Hours of the day, Litchi chinensis
