Use of some volatile oils as attractive agents to increase food consumption in Honeybee colonies [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

The present work aimed to investigate the stimulating and attractive effects of five volatile oils on honey bee colonies food consumption. These oils were added to sugar syrup and pollen substitutes. The consumption of sugar syrup and percentage of dead bees in caged honeybee workers were determined. Multi-choice test inside the honey bee colonies was carried out to determine the food consumption rate from different pollen substitutes. Positive effect was recorded by adding Coriander oil 0.03% followed by Fennel 0.15% and Spearmint oils 0.03% while nigella oil showed a repellent effect on honey bee workers. The mortality percentage was very low with no significant differences between treatments. Results indicated that addition of 5% pollen grains and three volatile oils increased significantly pollen substitute's consumption. The highest consumption rate was recorded with coriander oil 0.03%. Results obtained indicated that the consumption of diets that contain Coriander, FenneL and Spearmint volatile oils was more successful than control.

Summary in arabic.

1