Influence of Hive Cover Modifications and Ambient Microclimate on Colonization of African Honeybees in Awka, Nigeria

Poor colonization of hives by African honeybees is one of the constraints facing the beekeeping sector. This study aimed to determine the influence of some hive cover modifications on the colonization of African honeybees in Awka. The hive covers of top bar hives were modified by insulating them with different materials and grouped into four treatments, namely: T1 (plywood), T2 (warped boards), T3 (polyvinyl chloride ceiling material), and T4 (foam). At various months, data on the ambient microclimate (temperature and relative humidity) and the number of hives colonized per treatment were collected. The colonization rate was highest in treatment 1 (100%), followed by treatment 2 (33.33%) while treatments 3 and 4 (0.00%) had the least. Hive treatments did not significantly affect the colonization of honeybees (p = 0.09). Treatment 1 colonized in the months of July, October, and November, while that of Treatment 2 occurred in December. Months had significant effect on the mean colonization of African honeybees (p<0.05). The mean colonization of hives and ambient temperature had a negative correlation while there was a positive correlation between the mean colonization of hives and ambient relative humidity. Hive covers insulated with ply wood were recommended since they achieved earlier colonization than other treatments.