Investigation into Ways to Improve Growth Process of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Colonies in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic [Nahcivan Özerk Cumhuriyetinde Bal Ari{dotless}si{dotless} (Apis mellifera L.) Kolonilerinin Gelişim Süresinin Hi{dotless}zlandi{dotless}ri{dotless}lmasi{dotless} Yollari{dotless}ni{dotless}n Araşti{dotless}ri{dotless}lmasi{dotless}]

This study investigated the ways by which growth rate of honeybee colonies can be improved in nakhchivan autonomic republic where the colonies are located in lowlands,moderate highlands and highlands that differ in plant flora but completing each others. for this purpose,control and experimental groups were established based on the bee population intensity,available amount of feed,number of honeycombs and larvae. the control group comprised colonies located in moderate-highland and was left there throughout the year. the experimental group was kept in lowland along side aras river in spring and autumn,in moderate highland in winter season and both moderate highland and highland during nectarous period. the experimental group,differing from the control,was moved to the lowland along side the aras river during autumn (between 10.09.2007 and 04.10.2007) their population density increased by 13.3%,12.5% and 13.3% (p>0.95),the proportion of larvae raised by 15.5%,38.5% and 21.3% (p>0.95) and the proportion of honey also increased by 34.1%,35.9% and 34.7% (p>0.95%). following wintering (05.03.2008) the population density was 75% (p<0.95) and the amount of honey increased by 28.9 % (p>0.95) in the experimental group when compared to the control group. in the experimental bee colonies,number of larvae feeding per square meter was 28.1 while it was nil in the control in autumn. during the period of spring and the summer (17.03. 2008 - 08. 08.2008) colonies in experimental group was higher by 10.5 - 41.7 % (p>0.95),number of bee larvae was over 21 and 2.99 times higher% (p>0.099) and the amount of bee production was more 17.9% and 4.92 fold higher(p>0.099) than that of control group. in conclusion,the population density and honey production could be improved in nakhchivan autonomic republic depending on moving bee colonies to suitable localities during appropriate season in time.