12. Comparative study of foraging behavior of Apis mellifera L. at two different agro climatic conditions in different seasons
Main Article Content
Abstract
The research was conducted at two different climatic conditions, Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab Peshawar and AkoraKhattak, Nowshera during 2020. The study was aimed to compare the foraging behavior of Apismellifera L. at different agro climatic conditions in different seasons (Acacia modesta and Zea mays). Peak foraging activity of pollen collectors in Acaciamodesta season was observed between 08:00 to 10:00 am (14.68 No. of bees/ 10 mins) followed by 10:00 to 12:00 pm (8.18 No. of bees/ 10 mins) then 12:00 to 2:00 pm (6.49 No. of bees/ 10 mins) while decline was recorded at 2:00 to 4:00 pm (5.75 No. of bees/ 10 mins). Similarly, maximum number of nectar collectors was observed from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm (25.04 No. of bees/ 10 mins) followed by 10:00 am to 12 pm (17.80 No. of bees/ 10 mins) then 2:00 to 4:00 pm (12.24 No. of bees/ 10 mins) and minimum number of nectar collection was noticed from 8:00 to 10:00 am (10.54 No. of bees/ 10 mins). The present research work concluded that peak pollen foraging activity was recorded at morning whereas the rest of day bees focused on nectar collection. The present study suggested in order to curb this problem, whole scientific community should get united to counter climate change.
Keywords: Acacia modesta; Apis mellifera; foraging behavior; Zea mays