The effect of different pollen sources used on colony formation success of bumble bees (Bombus terrestris L.)

In this study, the effect of different pollen sources on colony foundation success of bumblebees was investigated. Six feeding groups were randomly formed with 120 Bombus terrestris L queens that spent their diapause period under controlled conditions. These groups include 1. poppy pollen (H), 2. chestnut pollen (K), 3. cistus pollen (L), 4. poppy- chestnut pollen (H- K; 1 / 1 ratio), 5. poppy- cistus pollen (H- L; 1 / 1 ratio) and 6. chestnut – cistus pollen (K- L; 1 / 1 ratio) and sugar syrup with 50% brix value were given freely. As a result of the research; Pollen consumption (P<0.01), worker bee emergence time (P<0.05) and number of worker bees in the first brood (P<0.01), characteristics showed statistically significant differences between the groups. In conclusion; Poppy – chestnut pollen mixture, which has the highest number of worker bees in the first brood, can be recommended in commercial bumble bee breeding. It is necessary to determine the most appropriate ratio of this mixture with new researches.