Evaluation of Chemical Use in Beekeeping Activities in the Şile District of Istanbul Province

Abstract

The province of Istanbul, Şile District has a very advantageous position for beekeeping in terms of its geographical structure and vegetation. The main purpose of this research is to reveal some general characteristics of the beekeeping producers in the Şile District of Istanbul, to evaluate the use of chemicals, and to determine the problems in the production stages. In this evaluation on beekeeping activities, the data obtained through the questionnaire applied to 69 beekeepers in 36 villages in Şile Region were used. With the questions asked in this survey study, detailed data were obtained on many subjects such as the education status of the producers, their experiences, bee colony assets, honey yields, and diseases and pests control. The issues in beekeeping activities are discussed as education, queen production or supply, diseases and pests control. It has been found that the winter colony losses are quite high and the productivity is quite low in the region.