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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Assessment of floral diversity and foraging preference of Indian bee (Apis Cerana Indica, Fab.) in the vicinity of Adac&Ri apiary
Authors
Chand Asaf , Sangavi, Sarumathi, Serene Senbagam, Sivapriya, Rusho Arul Raj
Abstract
The present study was conducted at the apiary of the Anbil Dharmalingam
Agricultural College and Research Institute (ADAC&RI), Tiruchirappalli,
Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the floral diversity and foraging preference of Apis
cerana indica. Field observations were carried out over six months during
the flowering season at threetime intervals on each observation day. Floral
diversity, bee visitation, foraging behaviour, and weather parameters were
recorded and analyzed. A total of 27 flowering plant species were documented
around the apiary. Antigonon leptopus (Coral vine) was the most
preferred forage plant, recording the highest bee visitation, followed by White
buttercup, Ixora, Carpet weed, Rangoon creeper, and Yellow bells. The
Shannon–Wiener (2.207) and Simpson's (0.884) diversity indices indicated high
floral diversity. Bee foraging activity was highest during the morning under
cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and lower wind speed, and declined
as temperature increased. ANOVA revealed significant effects (p<0.001)
of plant species, observation time, and their interaction on bee foraging
behaviour. The study demonstrated that the ADAC&RI campus provided diverse
and abundant floral resources that support Apis cerana indica. These
findings provide valuable baseline information for sustainable beekeeping,
pollinator conservation, and apiary management.
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Pages:280-285
How to cite this article:
Chand Asaf , Sangavi, Sarumathi, Serene Senbagam, Sivapriya, Rusho Arul Raj "Assessment of floral diversity and foraging preference of Indian bee (<i>Apis Cerana Indica, Fab.)</i> in the vicinity of Adac&Ri apiary". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 280-285
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