The development of honey bee colonies assessed using a new semi-automated brood counting method: CombCount.

ABSTRACT: Precise, objective data on brood and honey levels in honey bee colonies can be obtained through the analysis of hive frame photographs. However, accurate analysis of all the frame photographs from medium- to large-scale experiments is time-consuming. This limits the number of hives than can be practically included in honeybee studies. Faster estimation methods exist but they significantly decrease precision and their use requires a larger sample size to maintain statistical power. To resolve this issue, we created 'CombCount' a python program that automatically detects uncapped cells to speed up measurements of capped brood and capped honey on photos of frames. CombCount does not require programming skills, it was designed to facilitate colony-level research in honeybees and to provide a f

SUBMITTER: Colin T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6191133 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature