The main source of Trichosanthes is flowers. In different seasons and regions, the variety, quantity and quality of flowers will affect the quality of collected Trichosanthes kirilowii. According to different flowering periods, flowers can be divided into four seasons: spring flowers, summer flowers, autumn flowers and winter flowers. For example, pear flowers, rape flowers and apricot flowers in spring are all good sources of Trichosanthes. In addition, beekeepers can adopt artificial methods, such as introduction and cultivation, to increase the yield of Trichosanthes kirilowii.
The output of Trichosanthes varies with geographical environment, flower quality, number of bees and other factors. Under normal circumstances, the output of Trichosanthes kirilowii per mu is about10-20kg.
However, if the varieties of flowers are good, the flowering period is long and there are many anthers, the yield will increase accordingly. In addition, beekeepers' management of beehives, such as replacing queen bees, increasing the number of bees and managing feed, will also have an impact on the output of Trichosanthes kirilowii.
For example, in Ontario, Canada, there is a beekeeping farm with 2,800 bee nests, and the average yield of Trichosanthes collected in each nest is 5.5 kg. In a bee nest in Louisiana, USA, the weight of Trichosanthes in each nest reached 200 Jin within three months.
Generally speaking, reasonable management and adequate maintenance can increase the output of Trichosanthes kirilowii, reduce waste and loss, and increase the income of beekeepers.