Melittopalynology, bee plants and beekeeping potential in some coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India

摘要

Melittopalynalogical methodology supplemented by field observations spanning over the last six years brought to light significant and reliable data on the bee plants of the coastal East Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The important bee plants oj East Godavari district were Sapindus (soapnut), Eucalyptus, Borassus (palmyra), Anacardium (cashewnut) and Cocos (coconut) In Krsihna district, Borassus represented the chief bee plant followed by Hygrophila, Brassica and Phoenix. Sapindus and Borassus, followed by the weeds Hvgrophila, Mimosa and Cleome constituted significant bee plants of Guntur district. Phyla nodi flora, once considered as a major bee plant of this district is no more an adequate source of nectar for honey beesbecause of altered agricultural practices. July - October in the East Godavari district and June - December in the Krishna district were the floral dearth periods. Our study highlights a greater potential in the East Godavari and Krishna districts for commercial apicultural ventures involving production of unifloral honeys.