Assessment of Gmelina, Danta Solid Wood and Plywood Hive Types for Beekeeping

The study was carried out to compare the performance of wood hive types and plywood hive types in three different vegetation types between June 2018 and May 2020 in Akure South local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen (18) Kenyan Top Bar hives made from Danta, Gmelina and plywood were constructed at six (6) each per wood types. Two (2) each of Danta, Gmelina and Plywood hives were installed in three locations: Natural Forest, Plantation forest and cocoa farmland. The rate of colonization of each hive was evaluated at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after installation in the field. The results revealed that plywood hive type was not colonized in the natural forest throughout the period of study while Danta and Gmelina each recorded 50% colonization at the end of the experiment. In plantation forest, each of the Plywood and Gmelina hives recorded 50% colonization at 24 months after installation while bees in Danta hives absconded before 24th months after installation. In cocoa farmland, Gmelina recorded 100% colonization at 24 months, Danta recorded 50% colonization at 24 months and plywood accounted for 100% colonization at 24 months after installation. An improvement was recorded in the colonization performance at 12,18, 24 month after installation of hives. Plywood hives installed in the cocoa farmland and plantation accounted for higher colonization percentage than natural forest.