Impact of a beehive on cucumber production parameters (number and weight of fruits) in Korhogo, Northern Côte d’Ivoire.

Abstract

his study was carried in two plots of cucumber cultivation. One located in the University garden and the other within a district of Korhogo. In the first plot, a beehive (Kenyan beehive) was installed contrary to the second plot where anything was done (used as control). The goal of this study was to contribute to the improvement of cucumber yield in Korhogo city. For that, the impact of a beehive colonized mainly by Apis mellifera, on cucumber production parameters, has been assessed. The production parameters measured in each plot were, bees’ activity, the number and the weight of cucumber fruits. The beehive was installed to 30 m of the second cucumber plot. A total of 2380 bee specimens were recorded in the two experimental plots. Specifically, 1510 bee specimens (63.45%) were recorded in the plot nearby beehive and 870 specimens (36.55%) in the second plot without beehive. The average weight per fruit was 218.65 g in the plot nearby beehive and was 126.95 g in the plot without beehive. The average number of fruits was 18.1 in the plot nearby beehive against 9 in the plot without beehive. This study reveals a significant impact of bees on cucumber production parameters and will be very relevant in the resilience of farmer's systems.