engleski

Colony losses in Croatia during winter 2008/09

In Croatia there are no systematic surveys of colony losses so far. Consulting data of Croatian beekeepers federation, there is 4.132 members of this association. Beekeepers range from small hobby operation to large, professional. Colony losses in Croatia 2007/2008 were 27 % estimated by Croatian beekeepers federation. Croatian agricultural agency (CAA) yearly collects data on the number of colonies eligible for state aid in apicultural sector (beekeepers operating more than 30 colonies). During 2007 CAA has registered 3.402 beekeepers operating 314.943 colonies. Data for 2008 are not processed yet. We have conducted a survey among beekeepers during three beekeepers meetings at the continental part of Croatia during the end of February and beginning of march 2009. In total, 114 beekeepers responded to anonymous questionnaire, with total of 10.293 colonies. In march 2009 questioned beekeepers have 8.716 colonies. During winter 2008/09 period beekeepers lost 1577 colonies (15, 32%). Higher losses were reported by beekeepers with experience less than 5 years (25, 17 % colony losses) in comparison to more experienced beekeepers (13, 50% colony losses). In questioned group 32 beekeepers (28, 07%) reported losses over 20%, from which 16 beekeepers (14, 03%) reported losses higher than 50% from wintered colonies. At the same time, 13 beekeepers (11, 40%) report no losses. From beekeepers opinion, the main reasons were due to problems with queens or food storage (9, 10% colonies), Nosema and Varroa (22, 19% lost colonies). From surveyed group, 22 beekeepers did not report causes of loss. Tests on IAPV are not conducted, while Nosema ceranae is confirmed in Croatia.

survey; colony losses; IAPV; Nosema ceranae

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