Benguk Tempeh Flour (Mucuna pruriens L.): Royal Jelly Production of Apis mellifera in the Dearth Period

Royal jelly (RJ) is a high-value bee product whose yield is directly influenced by larval acceptance and survival. Exploring alternative feed resources is essential to enhance RJ production and support sustainable apiculture. This study aimed to investigate the effect of benguk tempeh flour supplementation on RJ production, larval acceptance, and larval mortality in honey bee colonies. A completely randomized design (CRD) was applied, consisting of five dietary treatments with four replications. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment differences were determined with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results indicated that benguk tempeh flour significantly influenced (P < 0.05) RJ production, larval acceptance, and larval mortality. The second treatment (P2) yielded the most favorable outcomes, with an average RJ production of 5.3955 g, larval acceptance of 24.75 cups, and a relatively low larval mortality rate of 5.25%. In conclusion, benguk tempeh flour supplementation can enhance RJ yield while improving larval acceptance and reducing mortality rates. Treatment P2 demonstrated the optimal balance of outcomes, suggesting its potential as an alternative protein source to colony productivity. These findings highlight a crucial opportunity to utilize locally available, plant-based feed innovations in advancing sustainable beekeeping practices.