18. Foraging behavior of the giant honey bee, Apis dorsata F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at Peshawar District of Pakistan

Abstract

Foraging of honey bee is of great importance from pollination point of view, as sunflower production mainly depends on insect visitors in common and honeybee in particular. Keeping in view the importance of pollinators, foraging behavior of the Giant Honey bee, Apis dorsata in sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. at Peshawar District was studies at New Developmental Farm (NDF), The University of Agriculture Peshawar, (34.01° N, 71.53° E) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan during 2012 and 2013.  Observation on foraging activities of honeybee recorded from morning hours i.e. 0800 hr and continued until 1800 hr of the day. It was found that foraging of honey bee varied greatly during different hours of the day. Maximum foraging of A. dorsata species recorded at 1600 hr and followed by another peak foraging activities of bee visitors at 1200 noon. Minimum foraging activities found at 1800 hr. It was also learnt that foraging of bee visitors’ greatly affected by the amount of pollens and nectars on blossoms of sunflower. During 20^th and 25^th days after flowering on the crop, maximum individuals of A. dorsata recorded since numerous plants were in full bloom. Similarly, less number of bees found while foraging as the crop moved toward maturity. It was concluded that sunflower is such a crop that attracts honeybees which helps in cross-pollination of the crop and ultimately increase grain yield as well as enhance quality of the produce as well. Farmer communities hence should advise to avoid extensive use of insecticides during blossoming stage in order to protect honeybees and other natural enemies.

Keywords:  Apis dorsata; Foraging; Pakistan; Pollination; Sunflower  

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700130