The effect of harvesting time and beehive type on honey yield and quality of Apis mellifera in Kilite Awlaelo district, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract This study investigated the effects of harvesting time and interval on honey yield and quality in northern Ethiopia. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, bee colonies were divided based on hive type, having three modern and three traditional hives, and honey yield was measured at the end of every month from August to November. In Experiment II, 24 hives (12 modern, 12 traditional) were used to assess the effect of harvesting intervals on honey yield and quality at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Composite honey samples were collected from both experiments for laboratory analysis of quality parameters, including total reducing sugars, sucrose, specific gravity, moisture content, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), mineral content, water-insoluble solids, and acidity. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21, with ANOVA applied to evaluate the effects of harvesting time, interval, and hive type on honey yield and quality. The average monthly honey yield per hive was 11.38 ± 1.44 kg for modern and 2.77 ± 1.22 kg for traditional hives. In Experiment II, the average yield per interval was 8.70 ± 0.89 kg for extracted honey and 2.24 ± 0.75 kg for pressed honey. Honey harvested in October exhibited higher levels of reducing sugars and minerals, while moisture and HMF levels varied across months. All quality parameters met acceptable standards. Notably, differences between hive types require further elaboration. Harvestinwasme and interval were identified as the most significant factors influencing honey yield and quality.