Desale, Ertiban
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Identifying and Evaluating the Effect of Poisonous Plants on Honeybee Colonies in East Amhara, Ethiopia Lema, Meresa; Tsegaye, Agazhe; Tsegaye, Alemu Tsegaye; Bihonegn, Addisu; Ibrahim1, Yesuf; Desale, Ertiban; Girmay, Ayalew
International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Vol 6, No 1 (2025): IJ-FANRES
Publisher : Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources - NETWORKS

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46676/ij-fanres.v6i1.429

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify and evaluate the effect of poisonous plants on honeybee colonies in Eastern Amhara. Two beekeeping potential zones, South Wollo and Waghimra, were selected purposively. Using a multistage sampling technique, a total of six districts and 18 local kebeles were addressed in this survey. A total of 225 sample beekeepers were selected purposively based on their experience in beekeeping, and data was collected through interviews. The result indicated that about 15.6% of the respondents had awareness about the existence of honeybee poisonous plants in their locality. According to the present finding, a total of 11 plant species were identified as poisonous plants. These include Helianthus anus, Agave spps, Aloea spps, Parthenium hysterophorus, Euphorbia tirucalli, Ranunculus mustifidus, Euphorbia spps, Guizotia scarab, Acacia saligna, Lanthana camara, and Nicotiana glauca. The effect of the poisonous plants might be either direct physical damage to honeybees or causing internal abnormality, which can lead to death. Some plants were repellent and honeybee killers, while others weakened and were responsible for the dwindling of colonies during their flowering period. The other plant species were reported to cause (vomiting, allergic reactions, headaches, diarrhea, and bad taste) to the consumers by irritating consumers' throats. The identified poisonous plant species were located abundantly in the (home garden, fence, and watershed) areas of the study area where apiaries existed. Though these plants had no value to the honeybee, beekeepers did not try to remove the plants from the area where honeybee colonies are available. Moreover, by this survey, the identified poisonous plants may or may not be poisonous plants unless checked by critical investigation of chemical analysis or by feeding of honeybees. Hence, it could be recommended that a detailed chemical analysis of these identified plants should be conducted to devise and implement appropriate control and prevention measures.
Evaluation of the Pollen Production Potential of Local Honeybee Races in Waghimra, Ethiopia Desale, Ertiban; Girmay, Ayalew; Lemma, Meresa; Tsegaye, Agazhe; Ibrahim, Yesuf; Bezabh, Amsalu; Bareke, Tura; Alene, Mulugeta
International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Vol 6, No 4 (2025): IJ-FANRES
Publisher : Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources - NETWORKS

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46676/ij-fanres.v6i4.577

Abstract

Bee pollen is an essential protein source for honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies and a valuable nutritionally rich product for human consumption. This study evaluated the pollen production potential of local honeybee races and examined the effects of pollen harvesting on colony resources across three agro-ecological zones (highland, midland, and lowland) in Waghimra, Ethiopia. Thirty healthy colonies were selected in each agro-ecological zone and divided into pollen-trapped and non-trapped (control) groups. Pollen was collected weekly during peak flowering periods, and colony performance parameters, including adult bee population, brood area, nectar stores, and pollen stores, were measured using standard estimation methods. The results showed that colonies in the highland produced significantly higher mean pollen yields (102.81 ± 11.17 g/month/hive) than those in the midland (72.80 ± 5.84 g/month/hive) and lowland (69.68 ± 7.21 g/month/hive) agro-ecologies (p < 0.05). Pollen yield was also significantly higher in the first study year compared to the second year (p < 0.05). Pollen harvesting significantly reduced stored pollen area but did not significantly affect adult bee population, brood development, or nectar stores. The findings indicate that moderate pollen harvesting during peak flowering periods can be practiced without compromising colony performance. Highland agro-ecological conditions provide favorable environments for sustainable pollen production and improved apiculture productivity in Waghimra, Ethiopia.
Effect of supplementary feeding on honeybee colonies performance in Wag-Lasta area, North-Eastern Ethiopia Girmay, Ayalew; Lema, Meresa; Tsegaye, Alemu; Ebrahim, Yesuf; Desale, Ertiban
International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Vol 6, No 4 (2025): IJ-FANRES
Publisher : Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources - NETWORKS

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.46676/ij-fanres.v6i4.578

Abstract

Honey bees need pollen and nectar to survive, and strong colonies before colony buildup season require proper feeding to support brood development. This study evaluated the impacts of supplements with varying protein content on colony performance, brood rearing, and honey production. Sixteen colonies were divided into four groups: three treatments and one control, each with four replicates. Treatments included Acacia pod flour: pollen (9:1 w/w), pea flour: pollen (9:1 w/w), and a mix of Acacia pod and pea flour: pollen (9:1 w/w); the control group received no supplementation. Feed was given in feeder supper box hives and measured every 7 days, with intake and refusal recorded. Hive resources such as pollen, nectar, brood space (cm2), adult bees, and honey were assessed using a frame-sized grid meter at the Gazgibilla apiary research site. Feed types were selected through palatability testing. The mixture of Acacia pod and pea flour had the highest consumption (243.19 g/day), brood area, pollen area, nectar area, colony size (frames covered with bees), and honey yield (35 kg/colony). The control group had the lowest values on all measures. Supplementary feeding increased honeybee populations and improved colony performance during dearth periods. The author recommends the commercial use of the Acacia and pea diet mix for sustained colony growth during the dearth periods.