Surveying, identification and characterization for the potential honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pollen sources in the arid region of Riyadh-Saudi Arabia

Authors : Abdulraouf AMRO, Mohamed Omar MOHAMED, Ahmad AL GHAMDİ

Pages : 1-11

View : 64 | Download : 37

Publication Date : 2023-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study was conducted targeting identification and documentation of major honeybee plants as pollen sources and their phenology in the central arid region of Saudi Arabia insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Riyadh);. Pollen loads were collected using pollen traps and were classified according to their color then traced back to plant species level. Throughout the year, sixteen plant species belonging to 10 plant families has been recorded and investigated by Light Microscopy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(LM); and Scanning Electron Microscopy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SEM);. Asian mustard insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Brassica tournefortii Gouan.); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(15.91%);, willow wattle insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Acacia salicina Lindl.); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(15.17%);, mesquite insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Prosopis juliflora); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Sw.); DC. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(21.81%); and cat\`s head insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Tribulus terresetris L. var. terrestris); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(15.52%); were the dominant sources of pollen. The period from May to July was found to be a significant blooming period and the scarcity period was from December to March in the study area. Color, size and shape of the potential pollen sources were variable between different species. Beekeepers could trap pollen loads that were collected from these sources during February, April and July, respectively. In conclusion, wise use and rehabilitation of these potentially identified bee plant species shall be considered in attempting beekeeping development.
Keywords : Apis melllifera L, Forage Plants, Pollen grains, Brassica spp, Botanical sources

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL