Resumen

MEDINA-FLORES, Carlos Aurelio et al. Estimation of the loss of honey bee colonies in the altiplano and northern regions of Mexico. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2018, vol.5, n.14, pp.365-371. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a5nl4.1459.

The objective was to estimate the rate of loss of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies during the winter of 2015-2016 in the altiplano and northern regions of Mexico. In total, 196 beekeepers (n= 41 907 colonies) were surveyed. The average rate of colony loss in both regions was 33.4%, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between regions. Beekeepers surveyed estimate that the main causes of loss were: bad weather, diseases, insecticides, evasion and swarming. The size of apicultural farms had no effect on the rate of colony loss. This study represents the first estimate in two regions of Mexico of the rate of colony loss in the winter period, which is similar to that of other countries. It is suggested to implement management techniques that would help mitigate the effects of bad weather, diseases, pests and Africanization.

Palabras llave : Apis mellifera; survey; mortality; colony collapse syndrome; Varroa destructor.