G.P. Painkra*, J.P. Harinkhere and P.K. Bhagat
All India Coordinated Research Project on Honey bees and Pollinators, IGKV
Raj Mohini Devi College of Agriculture & Research Station, Ambikapur,
Distt. Surguja (C.G.) Pin 497001
Received-09.03.2015, Revised-12.04.2015
Abstract: A study was conducted at Surguja district of Chhattisgarh during 2014-15 to identify the bee flora and to develop the floral calendar for honey bee. Based on the interview with the beekeepers and visual observations, some important plant species were identified as a major source of flora for honey bee. Spring season (March to June) autumn season (July to October) identified as critical dearth period with a few flowering plants. Winter season (November to February) identified as honey flow period having a number of floral plants viz. Guizotia abyssinica, Brassica spp., Citrus spp., Cajanus cajan, Eucaliptus, Mango, Shisham, Semal, Pea, ornamental plants-Popy, Calendula, Nastertium, Holyhock, Justicia, Berbina, weed flora Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, and medicinal plants like Adusa, Bhring raj, Justicia, aswagandha, karanj were the major bee flora. This season was identified as the most suitable for initiation and promotion of beekeeping practices.
Keywords: Bee Flora, Beekeeping, Floral calendar
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