Studies on colony development in Apis cerana indica F.

Studies on colony developmental characteristics of Indian honey bee Apis cerana indica in respect of brood area, pollen store, honey store, number of frames with eggs, strength of adult bee population and foraging activity were carried out in the Apiary of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2006 and 2007. These observations revealed that the brood area, number of frames with eggs and pollen store were maximum during December and were positively correlated. Similarly maximum bee population was recorded during May coinciding with maximum honey store showing a positive correlation. Nectar gatherers and pollen gatherers were maximum in January and February, respectively. Dearth period was observed to be during August and September.