Optimum sugar syrup feeding intervals for Apis cerana Fab. during the winter dearth period in the sub-tropical area of Nepal

The study aimed to identify the optimal sugar syrup feeding interval for honeybee colonies during the winter dearth period in subtropical region of Nepal to ensure colony survival and maintenance. The focus was on evaluating sealed brood area, sealed honey area, egg-laying activity, and pollen collection. The experiment was conducted in an apiary located in Lamjung district of Nepal. Sugar syrup (1 water: 1 sugar) was fed to honeybee colonies at intervals of 7, 10, 15, and 20-days, along with a control group. Each treatment was replicated across four replications with five beehives in each replication, and data were collected weekly. Parameters such as the sealed brood area, honey storage, egg-laying rate, and pollen cells were measured by counting eggs, pollen cells, and assessing areas covered by sealed brood and honey. Colonies fed sugar syrup at 15-days intervals exhibited the best performance across all measured parameters, including the largest sealed brood area, highest honey reserves, maximum eggs laid by the queen bee, and the most pollen cells. These results indicate that feeding at 15-days intervals supports optimal colony health and activity during low-temperature winter conditions. Feeding sugar syrup at 15-days intervals is the most effective practice for maintaining colony health, ensuring optimal honey reserves, brood production, and pollen collection during the winter dearth period in subtropical areas of Nepal. This feeding strategy is recommended for improving colony survival, maintenance, and overall performance during challenging winter conditions in subtropical region of Nepal.