In order to evaluate the best period to collect royal jelly (RJ) from queen cells and study the larval development of Apis mellifera, RJ production and larval weight (LW) were analyzed in Ibimirim and Petrolândia, counties of the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The study was performed in May and June, 1995 and the experimental design was randomized blocks. The RJ collected and the LW after 24, 32, 48, 58 and 72 h in relation to larval transfer period were significantly different (P < 0.01) in both locations. Regression equations showed that maximum productions of RJ, 157.57 mg in (Ibimirim) and 183.69 mg in (Petrolândia) were achieved, respectively at 59 and 54 h after larval transference. The results show the best production could be obtained by collecting RJ between 48 and 56 h after larval transfer in both locations.
apiary; Apis mellifera; honey bee products; larval development; royal jelly
