Authors : S. I. Ghugal, B. S. Rahile and K. B. Bramhankar
Page Nos : 183-187
Description :
Abstract:
The study represents the pollen contents of 5 honey samples of natural honey bee hives of Apis cerana indica in summer season collected from the different geographic regions of Bhandara district of Maharashtra. According to qualitative analysis, all five honey bee samples were multifloral. Pollen analysis of honey samples, 29 different plants have been determined. The plants contributing nectar and pollens to honey samples in different areas of Bhandara district were found as follows; Fabaceae: Pongamia, Trifolium, Butea, Dalbergia, Tamarindus; Asteraceae: Calendula, Tridax, Carthamus, Helianthus; Apiaceae: Daucus; Coriandrum; Anacardiaceae: Mangifera: Meliaceae; Azadirechta: Mimoseae: Acacia; Moringaceae: Moringa; Myrtaceae: Psidium, Syzygium: Sapindaceae: Sapindus; Combretaceae: Terminalia; Lytheraceae: Woodfordia; Malvaceae: Abulmoscus: Sapotaceae: Madhuca: Brassicaceae: Brassica; Rutaceae: Citrus; Poaceae: Oryza; The pollen spectra of the samples were indicated various plant species, visiting by honey bees in the area which reflect the vegetation type in the geographical area of Bhandara district. Other important taxa as sources of nectar by honey bees were also identified and listed. The numerous pollen types and their diversity showed that bees travel considerable distance collecting nectar and pollen for honey production.
Key words: honey, pollen diversity, pollen analysis, Apis cerana indica
