Question

Scientific and commercial method of beekeeping for production of honey and wax is called as
(a) Apiculture
(b) Sericulture
(c) Silviculture
(d) Pisciculture

Answer 1

Hint: Beekeeping is the maintenance of honey bees in man-made hives. ‘Api’ is a Latin word for bee and the area where bees are maintained is known as Bee yard or apiary.

Complete answer:
-The scientific and commercial method of beekeeping is known as ‘Apiculture’, where honey bees are reared scientifically with complete care and management for the production of honey and wax. The most commonly selected species of honey bee for apiculture are from genus Apis and Melipona (stingless bees). Apiculture is not only important for humans but also provides a safe environment for the bees.
- Apiculture requires a sound knowledge of bees and beehives, it requires a well-equipped place, pest, and disease management, and season plays a major role. As apiculture is usually during the flowering season where the bees can collect a good amount of nectar. Also, the bee yard should be near to the field with good quality and quantity of flowering plants.

Additional Information:
-Honey bees are the only insect species that produce food consumed by humans. They pollinate approximately one-third of the food we consume. Hives by honey bees produce 5 distinct substances: honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly.
-Apart from collecting wax and honey, apiculture is carried out for several other reasons like, for scientific studies, to pollinate crops, bee selling as a business, for collecting flower pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen.
-Other applications of apiculture: Honey is incredibly good and is rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. It’s the only food that contains “pinocembrin”, an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning. Bee venom is used as a treatment for several ailments, including arthritis and high blood pressure. Many modern, everyday products, including furniture polishes, cosmetics, and medicines contain beeswax.

Note:
Sericulture is the rearing of silkworms for the production of silk. Silviculture refers to the growing and cultivation of trees, for controlling the growth, quality, composition, and health of the forest. Pisciculture is a form of aquaculture involving the rearing and breeding of fish by artificial means. All these techniques are developed for three main reasons: for commercial use, scientific study, and sustainable development.