Abstract
1. Insects are responsible for the quantity and quality of one-third of
all agricultural production worldwide through pollination. The quality
of the pollination service and the safety of the honey production
depends on the health and nutritional condition of the hives, which, for
an important part is related to management practices. 2. This study aims
to identify the stressors that lead to the loss of bee health and its
consequences for the productivity of the hives. Different aspects
related to management practices, productivity, clinical observations
related to diseases, presence of health issues in the hives or in the
apiaries, to the structure of the hives, weather and infestation rates
by Varroa sp. mites were measured. The information was collected
during two field surveys in 53 apiaries in the Province of Santa Fe,
Argentina. 3. The results show correlations among many of the management
practices, health condition and productivity of the hive, with most
importantly the change of the bee queen, the disinfection of the
beekeeping material and the number of combs in the brood chamber. 4.
Although honey production is important in the region, the hive structure
was deficient and inadequate during both surveys. Due to its dependence
on management by the beekeeper, this suggests that a holistic approach
can improve the hive structure, increasing the honey production.