Evaluate the Climate Calendar of Beekeepers in West Azerbaijan Province Based on Thermal Conditions

Study the atmospheric elements and identify thermal conditions affecting beekeepers is of particular importance. In this research, given the importance of high temperature and beekeeping activities, the daily maximum and minimum temperatures were used in the period of 20 years. This set of daily temperature data were used for the adjustment of thermal thresholds, identification of active and inactive bee grazing, deviations from the optimal conditions and estimation of the flowering date of the trees by using growing degree day index. The results of estimations were extended to the province using GIS. The results showed that the thermal condition based on the occurrence of minimum temperatures in the four months from December to March is inappropriate for biological activity. Active thermal conditions start of May in lowland areas around the Uromiyeh Lake and gradually arrive into the highlands of the western half of the study area. In the early months of spring, parts of the eastern half of the province, due to the deviation is less than optimal conditions for honey bees are a good place to settle and start of honey bee colonies activities. The most optimal months of the year for bee activity is June and July. The optimal place for the establishment of colonies in compliance with a height is drawn of 2000 m in the summer. Flowering fruit trees in the study area occurs in May. Beekeepers Calendar based on thermal conditions and flowering date of fruit trees May in lowland areas of the eastern half started in May and ends in Highlands areas of the western half in September.