Environmental determinants of honey bee productivity and the bioeconomics of apiculture in Armenia

This study investigates the interplay between environmental conditions, honey bee colony biology, and economic performance of apiculture in Armenia. During 2024-2025, 120 colonies were monitored across varying elevations to assess climatic and pathological influences on productivity. Temperature was identified as a primary biological driver of foraging activity, with maximum daily honey yields of 10.6 kg per hive achieved within +18°C to +25°C. Varroosis, present in 47% of colonies, reduced honey production by 30-40%, representing a major challenge to agricultural productivity. Economic analysis of adaptive management strategies revealed that annual queen replacement increased commercial honey yields by 32.3%, while sixteen-frame hives boosted production efficiency by 24.1%, offering rapid returns on investment. Beyond direct honey production, pollination services to Armenian agriculture were valued at 10-15 times the market value of harvested honey. This integrated bioeconomic approach demonstrates that management practices adapted to local environmental conditions are essential for economically viable and sustainable apiculture.