The use of cork in the thermoregulation of the hive: an innovation attempt to enhance non-wood products and beekeeping in Mediterranean forests

• DOI: 10.12899/asr-2116
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Authors: Ignazio Floris; Michelina Pusceddu; Elia Raccimolo; A. Casula; Giuliano Patteri; Alberto Satta
• Keywords: thermoregulation; S; cork beehives; thermal insulation; Agriculture; forest product.; Cork beehives; Forest product; Thermal insulation; Thermoregulation

Hive thermoregulation is fundamental for the normal development of bee colonies and, consequently, hive productivity and honey health. External conditions mainly affect walls hive. Therefore, construction materials thermal conductivity features can influence its efficiency. The present trial made a comparison experimental hives (modified Dadant-Blatt 10 frames) with cork as insulator conventional entirely firwood to evaluate their effects on Apis mellifera ligustica in Northwerstern Sardinia (Italy). cork-modified beehives consisted common modified by replacing wooden (pressed cork), whereas control (wooden hives) standard Dadant Blatt firwood. Environmental (especially nest internal temperature) parameters were assessed periodically. daily temperature pattern was more regular than that beehives. In addition, bees had efficient winter compared hives.