DYNAMICS OF TREHALOSE LEVEL IN THE HEMOLYMPH OF AUTUMN-GENERATED BEES USING BIOTECHNOLOGICAL TREATMENTS

DOI 10.31588/2413_4201_1883_3_267_48 УДК 638.1:577.1

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study on dynamics of trehalose content in the hemolymph of autumn-generated bees of Central Russian breed during the formation of overwintering generation. Research was conducted on honeybee colonies that differed in physical and geometric parameters of the foundation, the method of processing raw wax and the composition of stimulating feed. Trehalose levels were measured at four time points: September 9 (baseline), September 30, October 21 and November 12. Differences between groups arose from three interrelated factors. The morphological factor consisted of inclination angle of the honeycomb cell base, which was 130° in the control group and 110° in the experimental groups. The trophic factor involved comparing a standard 60% sugar syrup with a diet enriched with biologically active complexes. Pharmacological factor included the use of Yantarit preparation, as well as a comprehensive wax sanitation regimen consisting of tartaric acid, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic zeolite and Yantarit itself. Trehalose content increased from 12.50 to 13.44 mmol/L in the control group, representing a 7.5% increase relative to the baseline value. In all experimental groups, trehalose levels were higher than in the control group by November 12. The most pronounced increase was recorded in the group using combs with a cell base angle of 110° and purified wax foundation, combined with Stimovit and Yantarit supplementation (reaching 18.87 mmol/L), as well as in the group receiving Apinik and Yantarit (18.80 mmol/L). The use of Nanni 2 with a prebiotic and Yantarit resulted in a trehalose level of 18.50 mmol/L, while the combination of Testim and Yantarit yielded 18.70 mmol/L. Thus, the combined use of combs with optimized geometry, purified wax foundation and stimulating supplements promoted a more active accumulation of carbohydrate energy reserves in autumn-generation bees. The obtained data indicate the potential of measuring hemolymph trehalose concentration as a biochemical indicator of the bees’ physiological readiness for overwintering.