engleski

Prospects of Croatian beekeeping with regard to current situation and achievements

According to the data of Croatian agricultural agency (CAA) there are 3 402 beekeepers with 314 943 honeybee colonies registered in the 2007 on Croatian professional and sideline apiaries. Data for 2008 are still processing. Systematic surveys of colony losses are not established yet in Croatia. In order to collect and present preliminary data of colony losses in 2009, a survey was conducted among beekeepers from different locations in Croatian Continental region during February and March 2009. A total of 135 beekeepers with 10 618 colonies filled in the anonymous questionnaire. A survey results showed that beekeepers lost total 1 797 colonies (16, 92 %) during winter period 2008 / 2009. 507 colonies (4, 77%) were lost during January and February 2009. According to beekeepers reports, losses were caused by diseases (38, 58%) and technological problems (queens and food storage - 30, 16%). 13 surveyed beekeepers did not register losses and 30 of them did not specify loss causes, which covers 31, 38% of total colony losses. Carniolan bee (Apis mellifera carnica) is autochthon in Croatia. There are three known distinguishing ecotypes of Carniolan bee in Croatia - pannonian, mountain and mediterranean ecotype. They are developed in distinctive regions, where climate, relief and vegetation have caused their biodiversity. Differences in morphometric and behavioral characteristics are confirmed between them. Croatia has achieved significant selection progress so far, but there is a need for further breeding improvements. Croatia should make an effort to alleviate a conflict between selection and biodiversity of autochthon Carniolan bee. New molecular tools could certainly contribute to achieving this goal.

colony losses survey; Carniolan bee; ecotypes; selection

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