The multiplication of hives It has been consolidated in recent years as a central technical tool to strengthen beekeeping. Far from being a practice based solely on the producer’s experience, today it is based on scientific criteria that allow planning the growth of apiaries, improving health control and optimizing the productive performance of the colonies.
Specialists from the National Beekeeping Program of INTA (PROAPI) systematized a series of recommendations that seek to reduce risks and improve decision making at each stage of the process. As they explain, Planned multiplication allows both to expand the number of hives and to replace the losses that usually occur during the winter.
Ezequiel Bertozzi, researcher at INTA Casilda, in Santa Fe, pointed out that this practice constitutes a “key tool” to achieve the productive objectives of each season. “When we plan the multiplication and have the necessary inputs, we minimize the risks, because we will know the health status, genetics and vitality of the new colonies,” he explained.
The specialist warned that basing the growth of the apiary solely on the capture of natural swarms can generate unpredictable results. In these cases, the health status and genetics of the colonies are unknown, which may compromise the functioning of the production system in the medium term.
To achieve successful multiplication, technicians recommend previously defining the season’s objectives. “Defining the objectives of the season is the first decision. For some beekeepers, the priority will be to maximize honey production; for others, to increase the number of hives,” said Bertozzi. In addition, he stressed the importance of considering factors such as available flowering, climatic conditions and the strength of the available hives.
INTA emphasizes that the success of this strategy depends on advance planning and proper management of the apiary.. “We consider the apiary as the management unit, so that the practices are carried out in all the hives at the same time,” explained Bertozzi. He also highlighted that It is essential to work with strong hives and choose multiplication methods based on the biology of the bee.prioritizing the quality of new nuclei over quantity to ensure productive and stable colonies.
