Effect of Winter Temperature and Humidity on Honey and pollen production in Apis mellifera L.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) play a critical role in global agriculture and biodiversity due to their pollination services and production of economically valuable hive products such as pollen. However, winter conditions, including low temperatures and high humidity pose significant challenges to colony productivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of controlled hive microclimates on pollen production during winter 2023. Six Langstroth hives were divided into two groups: three treated hives covered with black polyethylene to enhance internal warmth; and three control hives under standard conditions. Pollen stores, internal temperatures, and humidity levels were recorded every 13 days. Treated hives exhibited significantly higher mean pollen production (64.00 cm², SD = 32.46) compared to control hives (51.00 cm², SD = 30.05; p < 0.05). Internal temperature (b = 6.810, p = 0.005) and humidity (b = 0.465, p = 0.001) positively correlated with pollen production in treated hives, while these effects were negligible in controls. The results indicated that microclimate adjustments significantly improved winter colony productivity. Beekeepers are recommended to adopt simple modifications, such as hive insulation and supplemental feeding, to enhance colony resilience and productivity in challenging climates. Further research on additional environmental factors is essential for optimizing hive management strategies.