Hygienic behavior (HB) emerges as a pivotal trait, impacting colony resistance to diseases. This study aimed to understand the behavioral traits of Apis cerana indica colonies, with a focus on HB and other key characteristics crucial for colony health, and to screen and identify colonies with superior hygienic behavior and better performance to combat prevailing diseases and pests. This research spans a comprehensive field analysis with different seasons and locations, encompassing the distinct environmental and management factors that influence honey bee behavior. The inclusion of A. cerana indica colonies from various locations provides a novel perspective, offering valuable insights regarding the hygienic behavior of A. cerana indica. Several statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and Aligned Rank Transformation-Analysis of Variance (ART-ANOVA) for repeated measures, shed light on the distribution of hive metrics, emphasizing the significance of considering seasonality and location-specific factors. PCA highlights unique characteristics in Tirupur and Coimbatore colonies, while correlation analyses uncover relationships among HB, honey, pollen, brood area, and adult population. Moreover, the study’s nuanced findings gave the status of hygienic behavior of A. cerana indica colonies and identified colonies with better colony performance, which will be useful for future breeding programs with A. cerana indica.

Excessive pesticide use by farmers is a critical issue influenced by psychological, behavioural, socioeconomic and regulatory factors. This study employs a bibliometric analysis and systematic review to assess key factors driving excessive pesticide use, focusing on research trends and behavioural influences. A total of 43 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database (2000-2024) were selected using PRISMA methodology, based on relevance to psychological and behavioural factors influencing pesticide use. Findings indicate that peer influence, farmers’ risk perceptions, financial constraints and limited awareness of sustainable alternatives like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) contribute significantly to pesticide overuse. Moreover, reliance on chemical pesticides, psychological stress from market uncertainties and risk-averse decision-making further contribute to overuse, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Bibliometric analysis highlights a fragmented research landscape with limited interdisciplinary collaboration. China emerges as a leading contributor, demonstrating a strong national research focus with a significant number of studies conducted by Chinese researchers and institutions, while other countries show varying levels of cooperative engagement. This study underscores the importance of enhancing farmers’ awareness of non-chemical pest control methods, strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering community-led initiatives. Future research should prioritise the exploration of education, economic conditions and social norms to better understand their impact on pesticide use behaviours. These insights aim to inform policy and interventions that promote sustainable pest management while balancing agricultural productivity with environmental and public health priorities.