Assessment of Two Plant-Based Materials as Alternative Attractant of Honeybees (Apis Mellifera adansonii) for Production of Honey and Other Hive Products in Awka, Nigeria

Aim: Honey is the earliest sweetener human beings have found. The values of honey are too numerous, such as food source, raw material for industries and symbol employed in therapeutic ceremonies, but it’s availability supply through traditional hunting remain a major constraint to its production supply. This Field trials assessed efficacy Aidan fruit (Tetrapleura tetraptera) extract Pineapple juice alternative baits honeybees (Apis mellifera adansonii) other hive products.
 Study Design: Completely Randomized Design.
 Place Duration Study: Honeybee Research Centre Department Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B.5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, between July 2020 February, 2022.
 Methodology: Phytochemical analyses two plant-based materials were conducted laboratory using standard scientific methods. A total 9 hives divided into 3 treatment groups: A1-3; P1-3 H1-3 used study. All experimental installed at apiary unit HRC monitored daily until colonization occurred.
 Data collected subjected Analysis Variance (ANOVA) while sample means separated Duncan’s Multiple Range Test 5% significant level (P = 0.05).
 Results: results revealed that trial contained moderate (++) presence terpenoids phytochemical component responsible attracting bees. also treated with recorded equal rates 66.67% against control which 100% respectively.
 Conclusion: suggest these can serve attractants beekeeping products.