Honeybee (Apis spp.) food plants: Sustainable and environmentally friendly orchard management

Abstract

Honeybees are important social and beneficial insects by pollinating cross-pollinated plants for fruit setting and ultimately increasing production. The result of inadequate bee vegetation in the orchard led to a shortage of honeybees. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the species diversity of plants with nectar and /or pollen sources, floral character and floral period in the economic orchard. A study of bee flora made in 6 orchards of Prachinburi Province during November 2022 to December 2023. Throughout the course of ten minutes, at least three visits to the blooming plants by honeybees were noted. Plants species, characteristics, colour and scent were recorded. For investigated of the nectary, some flowers were collected to the laboratory. The result found 53 species of indigenous and exotic plants belonging to 33 families. The growth form of bee forage comprises tree and shrubby tree, shrub, herb and the other were 30, 9, 8, and 6 species respectively. Plants that produce nectar were found to be 42 species. Honeybees preferred white or yellow inflorescence flowers with scent. The floral dearth period of duration was from July to September. Maintaining the diversity of certain tree-type food plants in orchards helps sustainably enhance nesting sites and food sources for bees. The results are beneficial for farmers who use bee ecosystem services to increase productivity and for beekeepers.