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HONEY BEE PLANT AND ITS PRODUCTION IN TEHSIL TEHKT-E-NASRATII KARAK

. Mubasher Islam, Asad Ullah, Lal Badshah, Nizam Uddin, Khurshaid Ali, Wisal Ahmad and Saeed Khan


Abstract

This study investigated various aspects related to honey bee plant, honey production and bee behavior in the District Karak of Pakistan. The district was divided into two zones based on rainfall, temperature, and soil texture:  "Tall zone" with hot temperatures and annual rainfall below 500mm, and the "Sabarabad" Zone with rainfall between 500 and 750 mm. Questionnaires and personal interviews were conducted with local honey beekeepers to gather data on soil structure, Sojourning time, plant juice accumulation, honey color, and its production. The study identified several plant species, including Ziziphus jujube, Senegalia modesta, Vachellia nilotica, and Dalberga sessio, that played a significant role in honey production. Ziziphus numuleria (beri) emerged as a common fruit in the region, attracting honey bees. The study reported that honey production was highest in the village council of Sakotii due to its abundant and diverse cultivated flora. However, certain areas like Chokara experienced a decline in honey production due to a decrease in vegetation caused by human activities. The study also explored the foraging behavior of bees. Bees exhibited specific sojourning times, with two main foraging trips during the day, primarily collecting nectar and pollen from various plant species. The bees demonstrated remarkable capabilities, embarking on long-distance journeys of up to 10km in search of sustenance. Moreover, certain plants, such as Senegalia modesta and Ziziphus, attracted bees from even greater distances. The study highlighted the influence of soil structure on honey production. The western region of Karak displayed optimal conditions with abundant vegetation, including ornamental plants like citrus and guava. In contrast, the eastern region had sparse flora but thrived due to the presence of Senegalia modesta, Rosa indica and Sideroxylon mascatense. However, this region was more susceptible to diseases, posing a threat to bee populations. Bees selectively collected juice from specific plants, with Ziziphus nectar being the most potent, followed by Senegalia modesta. Hardium vulgar and Maize juice were found to be crucial for protecting nascent bees. The study observed that wild bees exhibited greater efficiency in juice accumulation compared to domesticated bees. The study documented notable honey production figures across the seasons. Ahmad Abad, Tatter Khel, and Khojaki Kala reported honey yields ranging from 900 kg to 1000 kg during the Ziziphus season. Skilled beekeeping practices resulted in a substantial yield of 400 kg in Shahdeen Banda and 750 kg in Bader Khel. The study emphasized the importance of skilled beekeepers and highlighted that untrained beekeepers and pest infestations could reduce honey production. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into honey production dynamics, bee foraging behavior, soil structure effects, and plant juice accumulation in district Karak. The findings can aid in developing effective strategies for sustainable beekeeping and maximizing honey production in the region.

Keywords: Honey Bee, Plant, Production, soil structure, Sojourning time, Karak

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