ADAPTBILITY OF EUROPEAN HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.) IN MINDORO STATE UNIVERSITY (MINSU), VICTORIA, ORIENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES

A study on the adaptability of European honeybee was conducted and the amount of rainfall, and the temperature readings prevalent in the area as well as the number of plants that could supply nectar and pollen for the bees at the Mindoro State University (MinSU), Victoria, Oriental Mindoro that could possibly affect the Apis mellifera L. honeybee colonies were assessed and enumerated. Temperature readings as well as the average amount of rainfall in the area, favours the growth and reproduction of honeybees based on the actual count of the number of newly developed frames in the 6 standard beehives from the original 5 framer in nucleus boxes used in the study. Fourteen pollen and nectar plants were identified and sixty species identified as host plants for honeybee that could give nectar, pollen or both. Colony build-up continues in all of the beehives studied. Based on the results, and review of related literature, the Apis mellifera L is suitable for domestication in the ecosystem condition of MinSU.