The effect of anise (Pimpinella anisum) flowers on production honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) brood area and colony strength

Nowadays, aromatic plants such as Anise have significant effect in honey bee colony building because it's usually flowering at the beginning of spring. This study applied in two seasons 2022 and 2023 and it's aimed to study the effect of located honey bee colonies in anise flower on brood production and colony strength. Data showed that located honey bee colonies in Anise flower area record the highest mean sealed brood area were 596.6 and 121.6 inch2 which recorded at 25th March, 15th. Also, at general colonies located at Anise flower were set in first place in mean sealed brood area during the spring (327.3 and 72.53 inch2). On the other hand, results showed that the highest general mean of combs covered by bees (colony strength) was 6.27 combs which recorded with colonies located at Anise flower area in season 2022. While, the lowest of general mean covered combs (4.58) were recorded in colonies were located in other area. Moreover, middle of April month record the highest mean covered combs which 9, 6 and 8.3. In addition to colonies were the most weak in middle of February month in colonies located in flora without Anise flower (3.6 covered combs).