Genetic characteristics of honey bee breeding in the Ganja-Gazakh region of Azerbaijan

Beekeeping is one of the oldest and most profitable sectors of agriculture. Since ancient times, humans have bred, propagated, and maintained honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.). The favorable soil and climatic conditions, along with the rich flora of Azerbaijan, create an ideal environment for the development of beekeeping. One of the challenges in bee breeding research is that honey bees mate in the air, often at considerable distances from their colonies. This complicates controlled breeding efforts. To address this issue, selection specialists are exploring artificial insemination techniques and the establishment of controlled mating zones. This article examines the development of beekeeping in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on honey production in the Western region. Additionally, it explores the most effective modern approaches to bee breeding, especially in the context of increasing resistance to adverse environmental factors, which has become a critical priority in contemporary apiculture.