A NOVEL METHOD FOR ARTIFICIAL QUEEN REARING USING OPTIMIZED FRAME POSITIONING IN QUEEN CELL BUILDER COLONIES

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved method for artificial queen rearing in honey bee colonies using a modified grafting technique. By strategically arranging frames within queen cell builder colonies to include emerging capped brood, honey, and grafting frames, an optimal microclimate is created for grafted larvae. The method involves using larvae aged 24 to 48 hours, applying a priming medium, and providing supplementary feeding with a 50% sucrose solution and a protein-rich supplement. The results demonstrate significantly enhanced acceptance and emergence rates, particularly with specific cup materials and priming media, offering beekeepers a reliable approach to improve queen production and overall colony health, contributing to sustainable beekeeping practices.

Specification

Description:
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention relates to apiculture, specifically focusing on methods for artificial queen rearing in honey bee colonies using grafting techniques. It encompasses the optimization of environmental conditions within queen cell builder colonies, including frame arrangement, larval selection, and supplementary feeding strategies. The invention aims to enhance queen emergence rates and acceptance of grafted larvae by creating an ideal microclimate for development, thereby improving the overall productivity of beekeeping operations.
BACKGROUND
[002] The decline in honey bee populations has become a critical concern due to factors such as pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and disease. This has prompted beekeepers to seek effective methods for revitalizing hives, with queen rearing being a fundamental practice to ensure the stability and productivity of bee colonies. Successful queen rearing is essential for maintaining healthy populations and enhancing pollination efforts for global food production.
[003] Traditional methods of queen rearing often face challenges, including low acceptance rates of grafted larvae and poor queen emergence. These issues can stem from suboptimal environmental conditions, inadequate nutrition, and improper handling of grafted materials. Thus, there is a pressing need for innovative approaches that improve the success rates of queen rearing, particularly through artificial means.
[004] RU2594526C2 discusses an artificial honeycomb designed for honey extraction but does not address the dynamics of frame positioning in relation to queen rearing. This patent focuses on enhancing honey production efficiency, highlighting a gap in technology that combines optimal hive management with queen rearing practices.
[005] WO2005086995A1 introduces artificial capsules for egg-laying and queen production but lacks a framework for using grafting methods effectively within queen cell builder colonies. This patent highlights the potential for advanced methods in queen rearing but does not incorporate the innovative positioning of frames that could enhance grafting success.
[006] WO1993025070A1 explores the use of pheromones to influence worker bee behaviour in queen less hives. Although it presents a unique angle on queen production, it fails to discuss the critical role of frame arrangement and environmental factors in enhancing grafting efficiency and queen development.
[007] KR100954848B1 details a method for breeding queens in incubator settings but overlooks the importance of in-hive conditions and frame displacement in natural colony settings. This patent emphasizes cost-effective breeding practices but does not integrate the ecological considerations necessary for successful queen rearing in traditional beekeeping.
[008] Previous research has demonstrated that environmental factors, including temperature and humidity within hives, significantly influence queen development. However, many existing methods do not sufficiently address the need for tailored microclimates that accommodate the specific requirements of grafted larvae. This highlights a gap that the current invention seeks to fill by optimizing frame arrangements.
[009] The proposed invention seeks to combine various elements, such as frame positioning, priming media, and supplemental feeding strategies, to create a holistic approach to artificial queen rearing. By addressing the shortcomings of existing patents and focusing on the microenvironment's role in queen development, this innovation aims to significantly improve the acceptance rates of grafted larvae and overall queen emergence success.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention presents an improved method for artificial queen rearing utilizing a modified grafting technique that emphasizes the strategic arrangement of frames within queen cell builder colonies to optimize conditions for queen development.
[011] Robust, disease-free mother colonies are selected, and larvae aged 24 to 48 hours are used for grafting, as these younger larvae demonstrate a higher potential for successful queen development.
[012] The design of the queen cell builder colony includes a specific sequence of frames-emerging capped brood, honey, and grafting frames-creating an ideal microclimate for grafted larvae while incorporating supplementary feeding with a 50% sucrose solution and protein-rich dough.
[013] Results indicate that plastic cups combined with a specific priming medium yield significantly higher acceptance and emergence rates for grafted larvae, highlighting the importance of both cup material and frame arrangement.
[014] This method addresses traditional challenges in queen rearing, providing beekeepers with a reliable technique for producing high-quality queens, ultimately enhancing honey bee populations and contributing to sustainable beekeeping practices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1 provides A systematic representation of artificial queen rearing process by using grafting method.
[018] Figure 2 provides Impact of queen cup materials along with priming media on acceptance and emergence rate of queen during spring season
[019] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[021] The invention presents a novel method for artificial queen rearing that utilizes a modified grafting technique, emphasizing the strategic arrangement of frames within queen cell builder colonies to optimize conditions for queen development.
[022] A robust and disease-free mother colony is selected to ensure high-quality larvae are used for grafting. Routine supplementation with sugar syrup and protein-rich foods is implemented to maintain the colony's health and productivity.
[023] For grafting, larvae aged 24 to 48 hours are specifically chosen, as younger larvae exhibit a greater potential for successful queen development, thus improving overall acceptance rates.
[024] In one embodiment it is provided that, the design of the queen cell builder colony is standardized, consisting of four frames of emerging capped brood, two frames containing honey and pollen, and three grafting frames, along with one feeder frame for supplemental nutrition.
[025] The sequence of frames is meticulously arranged as follows: F (feeder), HP (honey and pollen), B (brood), GF (grafting frames), alternating with additional brood and grafting frames to create a favorable microclimate for the grafted larvae.
[026] Supplementary feeding involves a 50% sucrose solution combined with a protein supplement made of 70% low-fat soybean flour, 20% pollen, and 10% honey, ensuring that larvae receive optimal nutrition for development.
[027] In one embodiment it is provided, that Three types of queen cell cups-plastic, beeswax, and paraffin wax-are evaluated to assess their impact on the acceptance and emergence rates of grafted larvae, each having a uniform internal diameter and height.
[028] Priming media, including a mixture of commercial royal jelly, honey, apple juice, and sugar syrup, are applied to the grafted larvae to evaluate their effects on acceptance and queen emergence rates.
[029] Results indicate that the use of plastic cups combined with the mixed priming medium yields the highest acceptance and emergence rates, highlighting their effectiveness compared to beeswax and paraffin cups.
[030] In one embodiment it is provided, that the findings demonstrate that the arrangement of frames and choice of cup material significantly influence the success of grafted larvae in developing into viable queens, thus enhancing the queen rearing process.
[031] The advantages of this invention include an eco-friendly method for mass queen multiplication, which can enhance honey production and improve colony strength, contributing to sustainable beekeeping practices.
[032] By addressing the challenges of traditional queen rearing methods, this invention provides beekeepers with a reliable technique to boost productivity, offering insights into the interactions within the hive that can inform future advancements in apiculture.
[033] Referring to figure 1, illustrates a systematic representation of the artificial queen rearing process using the grafting method, highlighting the structured arrangement of frames within a queen cell builder colony. The layout showcases the specific positioning of various frame types, including frames containing emerging capped brood, honey and pollen stores, and dedicated grafting frames. The diagram emphasizes the sequential organization of these frames-feeder, honey and pollen, brood, and grafting frames-designed to create an optimal microclimate for the larvae. Additionally, the image may depict the application of priming media and the use of different queen cell cup materials, providing a visual overview of how each component interacts to enhance the acceptance and emergence rates of grafted larvae. This representation serves as a comprehensive guide for beekeepers to implement the innovative techniques outlined in the invention effectively.
[034] Referring to figure 2, presents a graphical analysis of the impact of queen cup materials and priming media on the acceptance and emergence rates of queens during the spring season. The chart likely features comparative data displaying the success rates associated with different cup types-such as plastic, beeswax, and paraffin-as well as various priming media combinations. Each bar or data point represents the percentage of accepted grafted larvae and the resulting queen emergence, highlighting the effectiveness of plastic cups combined with a specific priming medium. This visual representation underscores the significant differences in outcomes based on material choice, providing beekeepers with critical insights into optimizing queen rearing practices. The image serves as a valuable tool for understanding the best strategies to enhance queen production and overall colony health.
, Claims:1. An improved method for artificial queen rearing in honey bee colonies, comprising:
A. arranging frames within a queen cell builder colony in a specific sequence that includes emerging capped brood frames, honey and pollen frames, and grafting frames to create an optimal microclimate for grafted larvae;
B. utilizing larvae aged 24 to 48 hours for grafting to enhance queen development potential;
C. applying a priming medium to the grafted larvae to improve acceptance and emergence rates;
D. providing supplementary feeding with a 50% sucrose solution and a protein-rich supplement during the rearing process.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific sequence of frames is organized as follows: feeder frame (F), honey and pollen frames (HP), brood frames (B), followed by grafting frames (GF), with alternating brood and grafting frames.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the priming medium comprises a mixture of commercial royal jelly, honey, apple juice, and sugar syrup in equal ratios.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the grafting frames used are made from plastic material to enhance the acceptance rates of the grafted larvae.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein-rich supplement consists of 70% low-fat soybean flour, 20% pollen, and 10% honey, mixed into a cohesive dough.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the emerging capped brood frames comprise at least four frames to ensure adequate supply for grafting.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the acceptance rate of grafted larvae is evaluated 72 hours after grafting to determine the effectiveness of the priming medium and frame arrangement.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the queen emergence rate is recorded 11 to 12 days after grafting to assess the overall success of the queen rearing process.

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