Foraging Behaviour of Honey Bee in Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.]: A Review
Dwarka
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Panna, Madhya Pradesh, 488001, India.
S.G. Ghugal
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Powarkheda, Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, 461110, India.
Nisha Chadar *
Department of Botany, Post Graduate Excellence College, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, 472001, India.
Anand Kumar Panday
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
Sanjay Kumar Tripathi
Department of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Niger plants are highly dependent on pollination, particularly by Apis spp., for increased seed yield and genetic diversity. Honey bees, being the most efficient pollinators of niger, exhibit distinct foraging behaviors influenced by multiple factors, including floral rewards, diurnal activity patterns, environmental conditions and competition with other pollinators. Their foraging activity is characterized by peak visitation rates during the morning hours, typically between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, when nectar secretion is at its maximum and weather conditions are optimal. Nectar and pollen collection are vital for both colony sustenance and crop pollination, with honey bees displaying remarkable flower constancy, a behavior that enhances pollination efficiency and cross-fertilization. Studies indicate that open pollination by honey bees significantly improves seed set, oil content and germination rates, leading to a substantial increase in crop productivity compared with self-pollination. However, various factors such as pesticide use, habitat loss and climatic variations can negatively impact honey bee foraging activity, thereby affecting niger pollination and seed yield. Additionally, the strategic placement of beehives near niger fields can maximize pollination benefits while contributing to high-quality honey production, as niger nectar yields honey with a light color and distinct flavour. The intricate interaction between honey bees and niger highlights the importance of pollination services in agricultural ecosystems and underscores the need for research-driven conservation initiatives. Understanding honey bee foraging dynamics in niger fields is essential for developing sustainable agroecosystems that optimize both seed yield and pollinator health. This review comprehensively examines the foraging behavior of honey bees on G. abyssinica, emphasizing their ecological and economic significance, the factors influencing pollination efficiency and the critical role of pollinator conservation in ensuring sustainable crop production and biodiversity maintenance.
Keywords: Crossfertilization, agroecosystems, niger field, distinct flavour and pollinators