Severson, D. W. and Erickson, E. H. Jr. Honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
colony performance in relation to supplemental carbohydrates. Journal of
Economic Entomology (1984) 77 (6) 1473-1478 [En, B]
Sucrose, 42% high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and 55% HFCS were compared as
supplemental carbohydrate sources for colonies established from packages
during 1982 and 1983. During 1982, there were no significant differences
between treatments in early season weight gains, seasonal honey production,
or measurements of sealed brood. There were no significant differences
between treatments in winter food consumption. During 1983, there were no
significant differences between treatments in cluster size, or in newly
emerged worker whole-body dry weights in the spring, or in head and thorax
dry weights. The amount of sealed brood in spring was significantly greater
in colonies fed sucrose than in colonies fed HFCS. Differences between
treatments in honey production were not significant. It is concluded that
feeding either 42 or 55% HFCS as a carbohydrate supplement does not
adversely affect honeybee colony performance.Author.
Dept. Entomology, Univ. Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

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