Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
these problems. These can be purchased from bee-supply shops, or hair curlers can be
used with their open ends covered or drawn closed with thread.
One factor that has been stressed in this chapter is the necessity to choose good queen
cells, but how do you ensure the queen cells are good? The following are some valuable
pointers.
Regardless of how you have produced your queen cells, only the best should be used to
head colonies. Queen cells do vary, partly because of their developmental environment.
Some of the differences in this environment are reflected in both queen-cell size and
appearance. When assessing queen cells, remember that size is important. Research has
shown that larger queen cells generally produce better queens than smaller ones.
Highly sculptured cells have received more attention from the bees than smoother cells,
and thus they usually produce larger and better queens. Sculpturing makes the cell
resemble a peanut's shell. Size and sculpturing normally go together, so a larger queen
cell will often be more highly sculptured.
The open cell test allows you to check the age and condition of the queen in her cell. It
takes advantage of the fact that the cocoon - which is difficult to cut - surrounds the
lower part of the cell only. The part near the base is, however, wax only and can easily
be cut. Proceed as follows:
With a very sharp scalpel, carefully cut round the cell wall.
Gently fold over the cell wall and inspect the queen.
Finally, fold the cell wall back to its original position so as to achieve a seamless
closure.
