Domicilation of bumble bees (Bombus sp.) in INDIA

Bumble bees are one of the important wild pollinator all over the world. These are advantageous over honeybees due to long working hours, long tongue length, and their capacity to forage at low temperature and low light intensities. Declining honey bee population due to various pest and diseases it necessitates the conservation and augmentation of wild pollinators like bumble bees and solitary bees.Keeping in view the domicilation work of bumble bees (Bombus sp.) was taken up for the first time in India during 2006-07. We successfully raised the thirty seven per cent progeny for 7-9 months under artificial confinement. Diurnal activity was also recorded at their natural nests from dawn to dusk period. Foraging activity on different fruits and vegetables was recorded. Developed colony was used for cucumber pollination grown under polyhouse the first time in India.