Influence of temperature conditions of the environment on the dynamics of collecting bee pollen and flower pollen by honey bees
Authors: Senchuk T. , Zhukorskyi O. 
Published: October 2024

The study conducted at the apiary of the National Scientific Center «P.I. Prokopovych Institute of Beekeeping» in Hadiach, Poltava region, from 2021 to 2023 investigates the dynamics of bee pollen collecting by honey bees of the Ukrainian steppe breed of the Hadiach type. This research focuses on understanding how weather conditions in the forest-steppe zone impact the mass, volume, and size of bee pollen, as well as the botanical composition of the collected pollen. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how different weather conditions influence the collection of bee pollen by honey bees. Specifically, the study aims to assess how variations in temperature, humidity, and other weather factors affect the quantity and quality of pollen collected, and how these factors interact with the flowering periods of key nectar plants. The study utilized hanging pollen collectors to gather pollen from bee colonies between 8 AM and 2 PM. The botanical origin of the pollen was determined through microscopic analysis and international palynological databases. The research focused on several common nectar plants, including red clover (Trifolium pratense), common primrose (Primula vulgaris), cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), common agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), field thistle (Cirsium arvense), and common burdock (Carduus acanthoides). Weather conditions were classified into favorable (temperatures of 18–25°C and relative humidity of 57–72%) and unfavorable (cloudy days with northern winds, temperatures below 15°C or above 28°C, and humidity levels outside the 57–72% range). The research revealed that the average mass of bee pollen collected per season varied between 6.3 and 6.6 kg per bee colony. The study found that different plants responded differently to weather condi­tions. For instance, the mass of pollen from red clover ranged from 8.3 to 12.0 mg under favorable conditions, while field thistle showed a decrease in pollen mass during unfavorable conditions. Pollen collection began in mid-April and continued until mid-August. During unfavorable weather conditions, there was a noticeable reduction in pollen mass, which was attributed to lower pollen availability. However, some plants showed better pollen production under adverse conditions. The spring peak in pollen collection, associated with active colony growth, was also influenced by the less diverse summer flora. Temperature data for 2021–2023 indicated that the most favorable conditions for pollen collection varied annually. For example, the cool spring of 2021 delayed bee colony development, while 2022 experienced normal weather conditions. In contrast, 2023 saw active pollen collection during acacia blooming but a reduction duringlime blooming due to insufficient pollen. The study underscores the importance of considering a comprehensive range of weather conditions when evaluating bee colony productivity. The findings highlight that both temperature and humidity significantly impact pollen collection. The results suggest that beekeepers need to account for these variables in their management practices to optimize pollen collection. Further research should explore the interactions between different weather factors and their combined effects on bee foraging behavior and pollen production. Additionally, studies could investigate how changes in climate over longer periods affect bee colony performance and pollen dynamics, providing insights for developing adaptive strategies in beekeeping.