DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HONEY BEE IN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA: A REVIEW: How to Cite the Article: Aparna Nilesh Sonawane (2019). Diversity, Distribution and Management of Honey Bee in Maharashtra, India: A Review. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, Vol.2019, no1, pp. 1-7.

Aparna Nilesh Sonawane

Authors

Aparna Nilesh Sonawane Research scholar, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India.

Abstract

Honey bees play a vital role in sustaining agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem stability through pollination services. In India, beekeeping has emerged as an important subsidiary occupation contributing to rural livelihoods, nutritional security, and agricultural development. Maharashtra possesses diverse agro-climatic regions ranging from the humid Konkan coast to the semi-arid Deccan plateau and forested areas of Vidarbha and the Western Ghats, making it highly suitable for apiculture. The state supports several honey bee species, including Apis dorsata, Apis cerana indica, Apis florea, Apis mellifera, and
various stingless bees. However, honey production and colony survival are adversely affected by numerous pests and predators. Wax moths, Varroa destructor, Tropilaelaps mites, ants, termites, small hive beetles, hornets, wasps, bee-eater birds, spiders, reptiles, and mammals collectively reduce colony strength, brood survival, and honey yield. The diversity and distribution of these pests vary across different ecological zones of Maharashtra due to climatic conditions, vegetation, management practices, and seasonal changes. Effective management requires integrated approaches combining cultural, mechanical, biological, botanical, and chemical
methods while minimizing adverse effects on bees and the environment. Although several studies have documented individual pests and predators, comprehensive reviews focusing on Maharashtra remain limited. This review synthesizes available literature published up to 2018 regarding the diversity, geographical distribution, biology, damage symptoms, and management of honey bee pests and predators in Maharashtra. It also identifies research gaps and proposes future directions for strengthening sustainable apiculture through integrated pest management, improved surveillance, and region-specific management strategies.