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VOL. 6, ISSUE 3 (2021)
Identification of bee floral diversity and abundance in selected districts of Arsi zone
Authors
Mulualem Ambaw, Admasu Addi, Fekadu Seboka, Mezgeb Workiye, Amsalu Bezabh
Abstract
Beekeeping plays a significant role s as a source of house hold income for farmer beekeepers in the country and plays a significant role in conserving the natural resources and contributes to the for food security through pollination services of honeybees. Furthermore, the success of beekeeping is depending on composition and density of bee flora. This study was conducted in three potential districts of Arsi zone. For this, three representative agro-ecologies (lowland, mid, and highland) were selected using purposive sampling procedures. A total of 90 beekeepers were selected and interviewed. Purposive sampling technique was followed to establish plot sizes of 20m x 20m, 5m x 5m, 2mx2m for tree, shrub and herb respectively. A honey pollen analysis procedure was followed to determine the botanical origin of honey. The study has revealed that 139 bee forages were identified of which Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant plant families in the area. Out of the identified plant species 58.06 % are Trees, 28.05 % are shrubs and 57 % are herbs. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H) showed that high diversity of plant species was found in Dodota districts (2.50), Hurta (1.67) and Xiyyyo (1.72). The pollen analysis of honey indicated that Guizotia scabra, Eucalyptus spp and Hypotes forskalii were the major monofloral honeys produced from the area. It is found that the area is rich in bee forage diversity and there is great potential for production of monofloral honey. Thus conservation and rehabilitation bee plant species for beekeeping development highly recommended.
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Pages:605-610
How to cite this article:
Mulualem Ambaw, Admasu Addi, Fekadu Seboka, Mezgeb Workiye, Amsalu Bezabh "Identification of bee floral diversity and abundance in selected districts of Arsi zone ". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 6, Issue 3, 2021, Pages 605-610
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