Brood Measurement as a Valid Index to the Value of Honey Bees1 as Pollinators

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Abstract
The yield of pollen during a 20-day period was determined for 170 colonies of Apis mellifera L., and their brood was measured at the end of the period. The yield was found to be closely correlated with the amount of brood (r≍0.598). Maximum pollen yields were obtained from colonies with approximately 800 square inches of brood (sealed and unsealed). Colonies with more than this level of brood gathered no more pollen, while those below this level gathered significantly less pollen. It is concluded that brood area is a good index to the potential pollinating value of a colony. Brood measurement is a sound basis for grading colonies for use in pollination service.

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