Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVI, Issue 2
Written by Eliza CĂUIA, Nicoleta ION
The use of questionnaire in beekeeping has been proved as an important tool of collecting valuable statistic data and answer particular questions. In the period 2014-2023 we launched different questionnaires at national level with the main purpose to evaluate the situation of honeybee colony losses (Apis mellifera) and possible causes. The main results on different questions are illustrated and analysed in the present paper, offering a general view on Romanian beekeeping, honeybee colony losses and associated causes. The preliminary data on validated questionnaires show that, the rate of honeybee colony loss registered values between 5.0% in 2015 and 17.0% in 2022/2023 winter season. Out of the total number of respondents and on the whole surveyed period, an average of 32.7% respondents registered mortalities over 10% at the apiary level, and 56.5% registered depopulations over 10%, with variations between different periods (years, months). Having an overview on the rate and incidence of colony losses in the last years and possible factors affecting honeybees can help the involved stakeholders to support the beekeeping field and adapt it to future challenges.
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