Construction and application of meteorological index for Apis cearna cearna activity in nor-thern mountainous area of Sichuan Basin, China.

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the climate ecological suitability of Apis cerana cerana in the northern mountain area of Sichuan Basin, based on the meteorological data of two meteorological stations, the production and the ecological characteristics and activity of A. cerana cerana. Taking temperature, moisture, light, wind and weather conditions as impact indices and referring to life meteorological index, we constructed a hierarchical calculation method for activity meteorological index and annual evaluation of A. cerana cerana in northern mountainous area of Sichuan Basin. Results showed that the main meteorological factors affecting A. cerana cearna activity in the study were temperature, relative humidity, sunshine hour, wind power and daytime cumulative duration of precipitation. Among those factors, temperature and daytime cumulative duration of precipitation were the main ones. The meteorological index of A. cerana cerana activity was constructed through the combination of different values of these five index factors, with which the grading evaluation being carried out. When the index was greater than 12, the weather condition was good and suitable for A. cerana cearna activity. When the index was 7-12, the weather condition was general, which was sub-suitable for A. cerana cearna activity. When the index was 1-7, the weather condition was poor, the activity of A. cerana cearna would significantly decrease. When the index was less than or equal to 1, the weather condition was bad and would not be suitable for A. cerana cearna to be active or in the overwintering period. We used this index to evaluate the climate of Zhongshan bee farm. Results showed that the average comprehensive meteorological index was 129.3 (score 60.4) for many years (April to October), the overall meteorological condition was good. The yield of "local honey" was significantly correlated with the annual comprehensive meteorological index. The accuracy rate of annual meteorological evaluation was 90%.