Experiment 3

Section 3: Evaluation of non-chemical methods for Varroa and Nosema management

Deliverable 3.3: Evaluation of the use of perforated bottom boards

Implementing body of the Deliverable: THYMOS Beekeeping Cooperative

Purpose of the experiment

In the framework of this experiment, an attempt was made to relate hive parameters to the use or non-use of perforated bottom boards. This deliverable is the product of a repeat experiment, as the results the first time were deemed unsatisfactory and it was decided to repeat them.

For this purpose, 10 colonies were selected, divided into two groups of 5 for each intervention. Due to particularly adverse conditions for the bees, by the end of the experiment two colonies with solid bottoms were lost. This, in itself, shows the difficulty for bees to regulate the conditions inside the hive and to survive when the bottom is solid.

Conclusion

Based on the above, perforated bottom boards appear to outperform solid ones, at least with respect to population development and the brood of the bees, and also in the weight of newly emerged bees. For Varroa and Nosema, the results were not clear.