author(s)
Amritpal Singh Brar, Harish Kumar Sharma and Kiran Rana

abstract
Survey studies were conducted from six districts (Kullu, Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla and Una) of Himachal Pradesh during July 2015 to June 2016 to know the status of rearing of Apis mellifera L. colonies both as stationary and migratory conditions. Callistemon lanceolatus, Eucalyptus spp. Toona ciliate, Rosa moschata, Zizyphus jujuba, Acacia catechu, Aesculus hippocastanum and Trifolium repens etc. are the major honey flow sources of Himachal Pradesh. Sarson (Una, Nalagarh and Solan), eucalyptus (Una and Nalagarh), horse chestnut (Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur) and wild clover (Shimla, Kullu and Mandi) are reported as sources of honey production in the state. Seasonal incidence of brood diseases, ectoparasitic mites and enemies of A. mellifera under stationary and migratory conditions were changing from location to location and place to place. The period of incidence of European foulbrood was different in Kullu (April-May), Solan (May-June) and Sirmaur (June-July) districts. Nosema disease infestation was observed by beekeepers during May- June at Una and August-September at Nalagarh (Solan). Among enemies, bear and lizard were observed by beekeepers to attack A. mellifera colonies during different timings of year. Bear was reported as a major problem in Kinnaur area (Telangi and Reckong Peo) during May to July. A. mellifera colonies migrated to Kinnaur were also attacked by lizard in May-June. As per as concerned with the management of Varroa, beekeepers are using sulphur (Nalagarh, Kinnaur, Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti), Thymol (Nalagarh and Kinnaur) and Formic acid (Bajaura) in A. mellifera colonies. Survey studies revealed that beekeepers of Himachal Pradesh are aware about the different management practices against various diseases, mites and enemies of A. mellifera.