Modern approaches in apiculture: assessing comb foundation sheets for enhanced colony health and reduced wax moth damage

Abstract

The Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica Fabricius, is a vital indigenous pollinator and honey producer in India,but its productivity is often threatened by pests like the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella Linnaeus), which damagescombs, reduces brood area and lowers honey yields. This study evaluated the effect of comb foundation sheets on brooddevelopment, wax moth infestation and colony performance under Dharwad conditions. Eight colonies were established atthe Biodiversity Park, College of Agriculture, UAS, Dharwad and provided with four treatments: empty frames, 50% combfoundation sheets, 100% comb foundation sheets and farmers’ method (piece of natural comb), each with two replications. Colonies were monitored at 15-day intervals from November 2024 to January 2025. Colonies with 50% comb foundationsheets recorded the largest brood area and minimal wax moth infestation, while 100% foundation sheets showed the lowestbrood area due to absconding and high wax moth larval counts. Optimum size foundation sheet use promoted natural combbuilding, enhanced brood growth without affecting their behavior and strengthened colonies, offering a practical strategy tooptimize colony health and sustainability in Dharwad.