The Impact of Cannabis sativa and Helianthus annuus Plants on Honey bee Colonies (Apis mellifera L.): Varroa destructor Infestation and Performances

Abstract

The performance and Varroa destructor infestation percentage of the honey bee colonies placed in areas with Cannabis sativa and Helianthus annuus plants were investigated. The study was conducted in the Havza district of Samsun and Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University campus. A total of 15 bee colonies, with five in three different areas, were used. No chemical treatment against Varroa was administered in the colonies. In various areas, significant differences were observed in the worker bee population, the brood production, and the Varroa destructor infestation on adult bees and pupal cells. It is determined that the amount of Varroa on adult bees of the colonies in the sunflower and campus areas three and two times higher when compared to the colonies in cannabis area. Sunflower plants had a significantly positive impact on colony development. Cannabis has significantly increased brood production at the end of summer and autumn, which is a very critical period for honey bees. The campus area had significant disadvantages due to a summer drought and lack of flora at the beginning of autumn. It has been concluded that cannabis and sunflower plants play an important role in supporting bees before winter. It is essential to examine the efficacy of pure extracts derived from cannabis in combating Varroa through clinical research.