Seasonal cycles of Apis mellifera syriaca under Jordanian desert conditions

This experiment was conducted in northern Badia, Jordan, during 1997 and 1998, to investigate the feasibility of beekeeping in this arid region. 12 colonies of Apis mellifera syriaca were used. Half of the colonies remained in Badia during the experimental period (stationary hives), the rest were transported between the study area and the Jordan Valley (migratory hives). Results showed that colonies began their brood rearing activity in Badia during the early stages of the nectar flow and pollen yield in January, but it dropped almost to zero at the end of August. The peaks of brood rearing occurred during March and June. Maximum adult populations for the entire season were found during April and July, dropping to a minimum for the year in December. Behaviour of migratory colonies was very similar to that of the stationary colonies. Seasonal brood rearing activity and population of adult bees in both treatment groups showed the same general trend in the second year. Annual average honey production was estimated to be 10 kg per colony for stationary hives and 6 kg per colony for migratory hives.