International Journal of Chemical Studies 2020; 8(1): 2004-2008

P-ISSN: 2349–8528
E-ISSN: 2321–4902
IJCS 2020; 8(1): 2004-2008 Bee Flora and floral calendar of honey bees in dry
© 2020 IJCS
Received: 04-11-2019 land regions of northern Karnataka
Accepted: 08-12-2019

Venkatesh Hosamani Venkatesh Hosamani, Venkateshalu, Jagadeesha N, Reddy MS,

Division of Entomology, College
of Horticulture, Munirabad,
Gangadarappa PM and Lingamurthi KR
University of Horticultural
Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, DOI: [Link]
India
Abstract
Venkateshalu The present investigation was conducted to study the diversity of bee flora which includes both
Division of Entomology, College nectariferous and polleniferous plants and also to develop a floral calendar for Haveri districts. The study
of Horticulture, Bagalkot – revealed that in Haveri district, 75 plant species were useful to honeybees. Out of which nineteen species
Karnataka, India
vegetables, fruits (13), field crops (15) and plantation, flower and ornamental crops and other plants
Jagadeesha N constituted fifteen species and medicinal plants (13). The identified flora was further grouped into pollen,
Division of Agronomy, College of nectar and both pollen and nectar yielding plants. Out of 75 crops, there were 16 species of nectar
Horticulture, Munirabad, yielding plants, pollen (12) and both pollen and nectar were 44species. The peak periods of honeybee
University of Horticultural foraging activity (honey flow period) were recorded during June– October of winter season and January
Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, to March of summer season of the year. During the honey flow period (June– October), abundant bee
India floral plants were found blossoming and plants species were recorded as source of food for honeybees.
Based on the availability, utility status and flowering duration of flora, floral calendar was developed for
Reddy MS the study area.
Maharani Cluster University,
Bangalore, -Karnataka, India Keywords: Bee flora, beekeeping, honey flow period, dearth period, floral calendar
Gangadarappa PM
Division of Horticulture, College Introduction
of Horticulture, Munirabad, The bees are dependent on flowering plants as they provide food in the form of pollen and
University of Horticultural nectar. Similarly, plants are also depending on bees for pollination. This mutual
Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, interdependence of insects and plants increased their coevolution [1]. The flowering plants of
India
many plant families are blooming at different time periods and seasons of the year. Pollen and
Lingamurthi KR nectar availability to foraging bees varied with time of the season and flowering periods of
Division of Horticulture, College different plants species. The blooming period does not commence simultaneously in all the bee
of Horticulture, Munirabad, flora attending in the main honey-flow season. Climatic factors, soil parameters, habitat of
University of Horticultural vegetation, the time of blooming may change even in the same nectar plant [2]. The types of
Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka,
honey harvest not similar in all the ecosystems and regions of a country because honey plants
India
are not similar in all the ecosystems as they are restricted to particular climatic conditions.
Flowers are main resources for successful apiculture and bee’s life. Flower period and major
blooming time the information is very prime important for successful apiculture. Since
beekeeping includes multi approach as it includes agri-horticultural and forest based industry
and nowadays it is of great importance for farmers withrespect to their pollination services in
improving the Agri-Horticultural productivity and other useful bee products. By spending little
investment beekeeping can be practiced to get maximum subsidiary income along with other
routine agricultural activities. Successful Beekeeping is not only depends on the good strain of
honeybees but it also depends on beefloral availability i.e., pollen and nectar sources within
the surrounding area of an apiary [3]. The present study has been undertaken to study the bee-
flora in dry land region of northern Karnataka in particularly Haveri district for determining
the honey and pollen flow seasons and also develop floral calendar of the different plants
Corresponding Author: existing in and around the study area
Venkatesh Hosamani
Division of Entomology, College
Materials and Methods
of Horticulture, Munirabad,
University of Horticultural The study area of Haveri (14°47′36″ N, Lat: 75°24′16″ E Long, 576 m aslm) is selected for
Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, studying bee-flora and floral calendar during 2009-2011. The average annual rainfall of Haveri
India districts was 625mm. For the purpose of collection of data,
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25 km radius area was marked in which 20 study sites were (19), fruits (13), field crops (15) and plantation, flower and
selected. Observations were recorded during flowering ornamental crops and other plants (15) and medicinal plants
periods of principal crops of that are visited by worker bees of (13) identified and found in the study area. The identified
different plant groups viz., vegetable cops, fruit crops, field flora was further grouped into pollen, nectar and both pollen
crops, plantation, flower, medicinal and ornamental plants. and nectar yielding plants (Tables 1-4) out of 55 crops, nectar
(16), pollen (12) and both pollen and nectar (34) yielding
Identification of bee-flora: Field data were collected through plants
monthly visits to the study sites, during 2010-2011. Each Among the 19 vegetables there were few plants viz., Bhendi,
study visit served as pseudo replicates for the site and all Bottle guard and Pumpkin those served as both nectar and
observations were observed between 0700-1730 hours. The pollen sources. Similarly among the fruit crops (13) majority
study included observations of activities of bees on flowers of viz., citrus, ber, custard apple, banana, guava etc served as
different plant species whenever bees were found on the both nectar and pollen source where as rose apple, guava,
flowers of such plants, their foraging behavior was observed banana, coronda, sweet lime, ber, custard apple are the source
for a period of 10 minutes. If the success of any foraging low pollen yielders. Among field crops (15) sunflower,
attempt was ascertained, the plant was scored as bee foraging blackgram, chickpea, groundnut, maize, niger and castor
species if at least three (3) honeybees visited the flowers served as both nectar and pollen source. Similarly in
simultaneously within 10 minutes of the observations. The plantation, flower and ornamental crops (15), antigonum
observations on nectar and pollen source were based on served as both nectar and pollen sources. And medicinal
activities performed by honeybees on different flowers plants (10) both served as pollen and nectar sources (Table 1
observed by using Binoculars (Nikon 8x42 Aculon Camo). to 4).
Honey bees with activity of extending their proboscis into the
flowers was considered as nectar source and bees carrying Honey flow and dearth period
pollen on their hind legs were determined as pollen source. In Haveri district the honey-flow and dearth periods were
Honey bees with activity of extending their proboscis into the determined and results are summarized in Tables 1-4. The
flowers and also collecting pollen on their hind legs were peak periods of honeybee foraging activity (honey-flow
determined as nectar and pollen yielding plants. Based on period) were recorded during June– October of winter season
frequency visitation of worker bees to a flower, forage value and January to March of summer season of the year. During
was established as low and high nectar and pollen rich plant. the honey-flow period (June– October), abundant bee floral
Such plants were identified using the books in situ. If the plants were found blossoming and plants species were
plants were recorded as bee foraging species at particular site recorded as source of food for honeybees.
and later encountered in subsequent surveys on the other sites; Major nectar-rich plants included viz., Beans Phaseolus
it was only scored for presence of bees. Plants that could not vulgaris, Mung bean Vigna radiate, Cluster bean Cyamopsis
be identified in the field their portion or twig of a branch with tetragonolobus, Bitter gourd Momordica charantia, Mango
necessary botanical features like leaves, flowers and portion Mangifera indica, Black gram Vigna mungo, Chickpea Cicer
of stem were cut and arranged in herbarium, identified with arietinum, Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan, Mustard Brassica rapa,
the help of Botanist from UAS, Dharwad and compared with Beans Dolichus lab lab, Cow pea Vigna spp, Pongemia
the published reports. The observations were recorded for Pongamia pinnata, Bajra Pennisetum tyhhoides
three seasons during 2009- 2011. A complete chronological Pollen rich plants viz., Brinjal Solanum melongena, Tomato
record of flowering periods of plant species was made during Lycopercicon esculentum, Chilli Capsicum sp., Cucumber
the survey. The data recorded in field’s notebooks was Cucumis sativus, Musk melon Cucumis melo, Water melon
compiled into annual floral calendar and was also used to Citrullus lanatus, Rajgiri/ Amaranthus Amaranthus gracilus,
prepare honey flow and dearth periods (Methodology used as Groundnut Arachis hypogaea, Maize Zea mays, Mesta
followed by Wayker et. al., 2014) [4]. Hibiscus sutrattensis and Coconut Cocos nucifera.
Both nectar and pollen rich plants viz., Bhendi Abelmoschus
Results and Discussion esculentus, Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria, Pumpkin
Bee flora and floral calendar were documented under field Cucurbita pepo, Onion Allium cepa, Drumstick Moringa
conditions at Haveri districts. The field observations were oleifera, Ridge gourd Luffa acutangula, Pea Pisum sativum,
recorded during 2009-2011. This basic information is required Snake gourd Trichosanthes anguina, Citrus Citrus limon, Ber
to time the pesticide application without causing any inimical Ziziphus jujube, Custard apple Annona squamosa, Papaya
effects on the pollinators. A complete chronological record of Carica papaya, Caronda (Kavale) Carissa carandas, Banana
flowering periods of all plant species was made. The results Musa sp., Gauva Psidium guajava, Rose apple Syzygium
are presented in Tables 1-4 and the floral calendar has jambos, Sunflower Helianthus annuus, Sesame Sesamum
considerably facilitated the standardization of routine indicum, Niger Guizotia abyssinica, Paddy Oryza sativa,
management practices in apiaries. The districts has number of Castor Ricinus comunis, Cotton Gossipium spp. Tamarind
Agricultural, Horticultural, forest and weed plants and their Tamarindus indicus, Neem Azardirhacta indica, Antigonum
distribution, blooming period, honey flow time in the Antigonum leptopes and other bee-flora plants of the region
confined area is very essential and important tool in supported honey production. The flowering plants of an area
predicting the pollen and nectar flow periods for successful having good value as bee pasture are necessary to maintain
beekeeping. The thorough knowledge of flowering season and bee colonies. Honey bees foraged on these plants extensively
time duration are important factors for sustainable for honey production.
management of bee colonies and for good honey harvest. The Both nectar and pollen Medicinal plants identified were,
flowering duration of any particular locality will also helps Moringa oleifera, Ricinus comunis, Tamarindus indicus,
the beekeeper in migratory beekeeping practice also. Azardirhacta indica, Ocimum sp. Butea monosperma,
The present findings revealed that, in Haveri district, 62 plant Murraya koeinigi, Melia dubia, Mimosa pudica, Solanum
species were useful to honeybees, out of which vegetables nigrum, Echinops echinatus, Tylophora asthematica, Mesua
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furea, Butea monosperma, and other bee floras of the region The present findings supported by (Dalio, 2012) [5] and
supported honey production. The flowering plants of an area Kumar. [Link]., (2013) [6] during dearth period when agro-
having good value as bee pasture are necessary to maintain horticultural crops are not in blooming, then weeds and wild
bee colonies. Honeybees visited these plants extensively for flowering plants were observed as alternate food source for
honey production and colony multiplication. (Table. 1-4) honeybees and higher temperature and scarcity of water
Summer season was critical dearth period with high resources for flowering plants unfavorable for bee foraging.
temperature (over 35 0C), scarcity of water and very few The present findings are also supported by Bisht and Pant
species are in blooming. The few cultivated plants like (1968) [7] reported that [Link] gathered pollen throughout
Moringa oleifera, Cucumis melo, Psidium guajava, the year under Delhi conditions. The higher pollen gathering
Phyllanthus nirori, Coriandrum sativum, Vigna aconitifolia, activity was recorded during January-March where as May
Arachis hypogaea, Punica granatum, Pennisetum tyhhoides and June was the period of lesser activity. Similarly
and wild plants like Azardirhacta indica, Cassia tora, Tridax Venkatachalapathi et al., (2013) [8] documented 66 species of
procumbens, Antigonum leptopes (creeper) were in bloom medicinal plants which are potential forages of honey bees in
during the season. However, their numbers per unit area was Walayar Valley of Coimbatore district in Western Ghats,
less or having lesser quantity of pollen or nectar. Hence they Present findings also in conformity with the records of
provide minor nutritional requirements to the bee colony. Sivaram, (2001) [9] recorded 192 plant species in southern
these minor food sources are utilized by bees during the Karnataka during 1993-1999. These plant species includes
scarcity of major bee flora. Because of high temperature and medicinal, fruit, ornamental, vegetable, pulses and spice crops
scarcity of water resources in dry lands for flowering plants, and also documented that flowering duration of bee plant
this period was found unfavorable for foraging of honeybees provided to know the peak blooming period by the beekeeper
and large-scale management of apiary.

Table 1: Nectariferous / polleniferous bee flora and floral calendar in vegetable crops at Haveri district
Sl. Bee forage value
Common name Botanical name Family Flowering period
No. Nectar Pollen Nectar + Pollen
Vegetables
1. Brinjal Solanum melongena Solanaceae Jan to March, June to July. - P2 -
2. Tomato Lycopercicon esculentum Solanaceae Jul-Sep - P1 -
3. Chilli Capsicum sp. Solanaceae Jul-Feb - P2 -
4. Bhendi Abelmoschus esculentus Malvaceae Aug – Nov - - P1N2
5. Beans Phaseolus vulgaris Fabaceae Dec-Feb N2 - -
6. Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria Cucurbitaceae Oct – Feb. - - N2P2
7. Cucumber Cucumis sativus Cucurbitaceae Aug – Oct. - P1 -
8. Musk melon Cucumis melo Cucurbitaceae March – May. - P1 -
9. Pumpkin Cucurbita pepo Cucurbitaceae Aug – Oct. - - N2P2
10. Water melon Citrullus lanatus Cucurbitaceae July – Aug. - P1 -
11. Onion Allium cepa Liliaceae Jun– Aug. - - P1N2
12. Drumstick Moringa oleifera Moringaceae Nov – Feb. - - N1P2
13. Ridge gourd Luffa acutangula Cucurbitaceae, July – Oct. - - N1P1
14. Mung bean Vigna radiata Fabaceae Aug – Sep. N2 - -
15 Pea Pisum sativum Fabaceae Aug- Sep. - - N1P1
16. Cluster bean Cyamopsis tetragonolobus Leguminosae Jun - Aug. N2 - -
17. Rajgiri/ Amaranthus Amaranthus gracilus Amaranthaceae Feb-Mar - P1 -
18. Bitter gourd Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Aug-Oct N2 - -
19. Snake gourd Trichosanthes anguina Cucurbitaceae Jan-Mar - - P2N2
N1 = Low nectar yield N2 = High nectar yield “- “= absent
P1 =Low pollen yield P2 = High pollen yield

Table 2: Nectariferous / polleniferous bee flora and floral calendar in fruit crops at Haveri district
Bee forage value
Sl. No. Common name Botanical name Family Flowering period
Nectar Pollen Nectar + Pollen
Fruit crops
1. Citrus Citrus limon Rutaceae Oct – Jan, July – Sep. - - N2P1
2. Mango Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Dec- Jan N2 - -
3. Ber Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae July – Oct. - - N2P2
4. Custard apple Annona squamosa Annonaceae Aug – Oct. - - N1P2
5. Papaya Carica papaya May-June - - N2P1
6. Caronda (Kavale) Carissa carandas Apocynaceae Mar-Apr - - P2N2
7. Water melon Citrullus lanatus Cucurbitaceae Sep-Oct - P1 -
8. Banana Musa sp. Musaceae Jan-Dec - - P2N2
9. Gauva Psidium guajava Myrtaceae Mar-Jun - - P2N1
10. Rose apple Syzygium jambos Myrtaceae Mar-Jun - - P2N1
11. Sapota Manilkera achras L. Sapotaceae Mar-Jun N1 P1
12. Amla Phyllanthus nirori phyllantaceae April-may - - P2N2
N1 = Low nectar yield N2 = High nectar yield “- “= absent
P1 =Low pollen yield P2 = High pollen yield

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Table 3: Nectariferous / polleniferous bee flora and floral calendar in field crops at Haveri district
Bee forage value
Sl. No. Common name Botanical name Family Flowering period
Nectar Pollen Nectar + Pollen
Field crops
1. Sunflower Helianthus annuus Compositae March – April. - - N2P1
2. Black gram Vigna mungo Fabaceae Aug – Sep. N2 - -
3. Chickpea Cicer arietinum Fabaceae Dec – March. N2 - -
4. Ground nut Arachis hypogaea Fabaceae July - Oct, April – June. - P2 -
5. Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan Fabaceae July – Sep. N2 - -
6. Sesame Sesamum indicum Pedaliaceae July – Aug. - - N1P2
7. Maize Zea mays Poaceae Aug – Sep, Feb – March. - P2 -
8. Mustard Brassica rapa Brassicaceae Jan – March. N1 - -
9. Mesta Hibiscus sutrattensis Malvaceae Aug-Nov - P2 -
10. Niger Guizotia abyssinica Asteraceae Sep-Nov - - P1N1
11. Paddy Oryza sativa Poaceae Aug-Sep - - P2N1
12. Castor Ricinus comunis Euphorbiaceae Feb-Apr - - P2N2
13. Lab lab Fabaceae Jan-Dec N1 - -
14. Cotton Gossipium spp. Malvaceae Sept-Jan - - P2N2
15. Cow pea Vigna spp Leguminiaceae Jan-Dec N2 - -
N1 = Low nectar yield N2 = High nectar yield “- “= absent
P1 =Low pollen yield P2 = High pollen yield

Table 4: Nectariferous / polleniferous bee flora and floral calendar in plantation, flower, ornamental and medicinal crops at Haveri district
Plantation crops
1. Coconut Cocos nucifera Arecaceae Jan-Dec - P1 -
2. Tamarind Tamarindus indicus Fabaceae Apr-Jun - - P2N1
3. Pongemia Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae Feb-Apr N1 - -
4. Neem Azardirhacta indica Meliaceae Mar-Apr - P1N1
5. Oil palm Elaeis guineensis Aracaceae P2N2
Flower and ornamental plants
1. Antigonum Antigonum leptopes Polygonaceae Apr- May - - P1N2
2. Marigold Tagitus spp
Medicinal plants
1. Tulasi Ocimum sp. Lamiaceae Jan-Dec - - P3N1
2. caster Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Feb-Apr - - P2N2
3. Neem Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Mar-Apr - - P1N1
4. Drumstick Murraya koenigii Rutaceae Apr-Jun - - P2N1
5. Tamarind Tamarindus indica Fabaceae Apr-Jun P1N1
6. Tulasi Ocimum sp. Lamiaceae Jan-Dec - - P3N1
7. Brahma Dande Echinops echinatus Asteraceae Throught Year - - N2P1
8. Aadumuttada balli Tylophora asthematica Apocynaceae March-Jul - - P2N1
9. Nagalinga Mesua furea Calophyllaceae March-May - - P1N1
10. Bael Aegle marmilose Rutaceae Nov-Dec N1 P2 -
11. Muttuga Butea monosperma Papilionaceae Jan March - - P1N1
12. Doddagono soppu Portulaca oleraceae Portulacaeae Jan-Feb P2 -
13. Womans tongue tree Albijia lebeck Fabaceae April -May - P2 -
N1 = Low nectar yield N2 = High nectar yield “- “= absent
P1 =Low pollen yield P2 = High pollen yield

Conclusion: Bee flora and floral calendar was documented season of the year. During the honey flow period (June–
under field conditions at Haveri districts. This basic October), abundant bee floral plants were found blossoming
information is required to time the pesticide application and plants species were recorded as source of food for
without causing any inimical effects on the pollinators. The honeybees. Summer season was critical dearth period with
results revealed that in Haveri district, 62 plant species were high temperature (over 35 0C), scarcity of water and few
useful to honeybees, of which vegetables (19), fruits (13), flowering plants during this period weeds and wild flowering
field crops (15) and plantation, flower and ornamental crops plants were served as alternate food source for honeybees.
and other plants (15) identified and found in the study area.
The identified flora was further grouped into pollen, nectar References
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