Gösterit, AyhanÇıkılı, YakupKekeçoğlu, Meral2020-04-302020-04-3020160030-9923https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/212Populations of locally adapted honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) have adaptive traits in their native habitat to take maximum advantage of the local flora. In this study, the annual brood production and colony population development of the Yi?ilca local honeybee colonies in their natural habitat were determined and compared with the other commonly used honeybee hybrids to expose adaptation to local ecological conditions. A total of 34 colonies headed by naturally mated queens were used in the experiment; 10 colonies of Yi?ilca local honey bee, 12 colonies of A. m. Caucasica hybrid and 12 colonies of A. m. Anatoliaca hybrid. The present results demonstrated that the Yi?ilca local honeybee colonies adapted to their local ecological conditions and regulated the brood production and population development according to regional flora. Although there were no differences in the worker populations between the genotype groups at the end of the winter, Yi?ilca honeybee colonies produce more broods before the main nectar flow and had a larger worker population during period of nectar flow than A.m. Anatoliaca and A.m. Caucasica hybrids. The results demonstrated that Yi?ilca local honey bee is a valuable genotype in their native habitat. However, experiments should be repeated at different locations for their use in breeding programs.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessBrood production; Ecological adaptation; Population development; Yi?ilca honeybeeArticle481195199Q4