MP Board · Class 9 · Science · Improvement in Food ResourcesAnswer the following questions regarding Bee-keeping (Apiculture): Name one Indian (indigenous) bee species and one Italian (exotic) bee species used for commercial honey production. State four desirable characteristics of the Italian bee variety (Apis mellifera) that make it superior for commercial honey production. What is meant by 'pasturage' (or flora)? Explain how pasturage affects the quality, quantity, and flavor of honey produced.

1. Bee Species Used for Commercial Production

• Indian (Indigenous) Species: Apis cerana indica (commonly known as the Indian bee).
• Italian (Exotic) Species: Apis mellifera (Italian bee).

2. Desirable Traits of Italian Bees (Apis mellifera)

\nItalian bees are widely preferred for commercial apiculture due to several superior traits:

• High Honey Collection Capacity: They have a significantly higher honey collection capacity compared to local indigenous varieties.
• Prolific Reproduction Rate: The queens lay eggs rapidly and build up large colony populations in a shorter time frame.
• Low Tendency to Swarm: They have a lower tendency to leave their hives (swarming), making hive management and colony retention much easier for beekeepers.
• Gentle Nature and Strong Sting Defense: They sting less frequently, making them safer to handle during honey extraction, yet they defend their hives effectively against enemies and parasites.

3. Concept of Pasturage and Its Significance

• Definition of Pasturage: Pasturage refers to the flowering plants, trees, and crops available to honeybees within their foraging range (around 2 to 3 kilometers from the beehive) for collecting nectar and pollen.

• Impact on Honey Production:

  1. Quantity/Yield: A rich, continuous supply of pasturage ensures that bees collect ample nectar, leading to higher honey yields.
  2. Quality and Taste/Flavor: The specific type of flowers visited by bees directly determines the taste, aroma, color, and medicinal quality of the honey. For example, honey produced from neem flowers has distinct medicinal properties, whereas honey derived from mustard or clover flowers differs in flavor and texture.