author(s)
Dr. Jasvir Singh Dalio

abstract
Present study revealed that a limited number of strong colonies of Apis mellifera when kept in any apiary with abundant bee flora in vicinity collected more amount of pollen and if the number of hives in apiaries were increased then pollen became a limiting factor. Surplus pollen stores in hives affected pollen gathering activity negatively, while pollen shortage in colonies gave a positive response. When sugar syrup was provided to pollen deficient colonies in pollen flow season then pollen collection increased significantly up to certain limits. There was a positive relationship between the amount of larvae and pollen collection. Empty raised sheets in hives, when present adjacent to frames having open brood stimulated pollen gathering. Moderate nectar flow stimulated pollen gathering up to a certain limit after that pollen and nectar collecting activity became independent from one another. Hives fitted with pollen traps and colonies with functional (right) queen helped to collect more pollen. Pollen collection stopped at 40 ^OC. Study also showed that pollen collecting behaviour might also be effected by genetic factors.