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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Assessment of nectariferous and polleniferous plant diversity for honeybees in the foothills of Coimbatore district, Western Ghats, India
Authors
Habibulla Abdul Kaffoor, Radhakrishnan Arunkumar, Biyyothi Illam Vivek, Lawrence Jemimma, Ramasamy Venkitachalam
Abstract
Honeybees are among the most significant
eusocial and ecologically valuable insects, maintaining a unique symbiotic
relationship with plants that contributes to ecological balance. This study
examines the diversity of bee flora and the seasonal availability of nectar and
pollen in the Anuvavi, Marudhamalai, and Palamalai hills, located at the
foothills of the Western Ghats in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Over a
year-long survey (April-March 2024), 97 plant species were identified as key
nectar and pollen sources for four honeybee species (Apis dorsata, A.
cerana indica, A. florea, and A. mellifera). These included
20 avenue trees, 17 herbs, 13 fruit-bearing trees, 12 bushes and shrubs, 12
ornamental plants, 8 medicinal plants, 8 agricultural crops, and 7 vegetable
plants. A floral calendar was developed based on honeybee foraging behavior,
and flowering cycles were compiled into a floral calendar. Peak honey flow
occurred during winter (mid-November) and monsoon (mid-July to mid-October),
while summer (mid-March to mid-June) marked a dearth period due to heat and
floral scarcity. Each of these floral resources has been systematically
categorized based on its role as a pollen producer, nectar source, or dual
pollen-nectar yielder. This floral chronicle has been meticulously compiled
based on systematic field observations and provides a valuable reference for
beekeepers, researchers, and conservationists aiming to enhance pollinator
health and ensure the continuity of bee-plant interactions in this region.
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Pages:35-42
How to cite this article:
Habibulla Abdul Kaffoor, Radhakrishnan Arunkumar, Biyyothi Illam Vivek, Lawrence Jemimma, Ramasamy Venkitachalam "Assessment of nectariferous and polleniferous plant diversity for honeybees in the foothills of Coimbatore district, Western Ghats, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 35-42
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