What is the main purpose of grafting in beekeeping?

The main purpose of grafting in beekeeping is to produce new queen bees. Grafting is a technique where young larvae, often from specific high-quality stock, are transferred into queen cups to develop into queen bees. This method allows beekeepers to selectively breed for desirable traits, such as productivity, temperament, or resistance to diseases.

By using grafting, beekeepers can ensure that their colonies have strong and healthy queens, which are essential for the overall success of a hive. Producing robust queens through grafting not only contributes to maintaining hive populations but also supports the genetic diversity and vitality of bee colonies.

While other aspects of beekeeping, such as hive size and honey production, are important, they are not the primary focus of the grafting process. Grafting does not directly improve bee health but can lead to healthier colonies by introducing superior genetics through the queens produced.