Seasonal variation in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom extraction and its effect on colony performance

The current investigation assessed the seasonal variation in the amount of bee venom extracted and bee mortality under different extraction periods (EP: 30, 45, and 60 m) during winter, spring and summer season of 2020-21 in Apis mellifera colonies, which were adjusted to 6 and 10 frame strength each season and subjected to 9 V intermittent electric-shocks from bee venom extractor. The results revealed that the highest amount of venom (0.027 ± 0.014 g/colony) was extracted in the spring season after a 60 m extraction period from 10 framed bee colonies. Moreover, spring had the maximum average amount of bee venom (0.015 ± 0.008 g/colony) extraction, but also the highest bee mortality (8.72 ± 4.62 workers/colony), followed by winter and summer seasons. The least honey bee mortality was observed in the summer season (1.31 ± 0.88 workers/colony). Simultaneous comparison of both the parameters revealed winter season as the most productive season (highest venom collection), which is also safe (least bee mortality) for bee venom extraction. Similarly, the 60 m extraction period (T₆: 10-frames + 60m EP) had the highest venom extraction and least bee mortality per unit of venom collection, compared to 30 m and 45 m EP. The relationship between EPs with amount of bee venom and bee mortality was direct but not proportionate. There was no significant difference in foraging and hoarding behaviors (honey and pollen stores) of all the colonies, making it a safe method of bee venom extraction. Hence, the winter season is the most appropriate season for honey bee venom extraction using 10 framed colonies and 60 m EP, without adversely affecting the honey bee colonies.