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VOL. 5, ISSUE 4 (2023)
Foraging and preferencing pollen of Tetragonula biroi (Friese) through melissopalynology
Authors
Sitti Nuraeni, NW Indrayanti, Andi Sadapotto
Abstract
One species of stingless
bee is Tetragonula biroi, a eusocial insect that produces honey and
other beneficial products for health. This research aims to identify the
foraging range and plant species as pollen sources in honey and bee bread
through melissopalynology. Colonies samples were taken in West Pepuro Village,
Wotu District, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. The pollen samples in honey
and bee bread were matched with fresh flower pollen found around the meliponary
within a radius of 100 m. The pollen samples were extracted using the
acetolysis method and observed under a light microscope at a magnification of
400 times, and their percentages were calculated. The research results indicate
that T. biroi searches for food within the closest distance of a radius
of 2-18 m from the hive. The highest percentage of pollen in bee bread (62.3%)
and honey (54.8%) was from coconut, while in bee bread (40.2%) and honey
(33.3%), it was from cocoa. Coconut pollen was the main food source with
predominance, while cocoa pollen was the secondary pollen type. The majority of
pollen in honey and bee bread were medium-sized grains. The appropriate
information on the food sources can serve as a reference for plantation
managers, such as coconut and cocoa plantations, to integrate with stingless
bee cultivation. In addition to producing honey products, they also serve as
important pollinators for plantation crops.
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Pages:53-58
How to cite this article:
Sitti Nuraeni, NW Indrayanti, Andi Sadapotto "Foraging and preferencing pollen of <i>Tetragonula biroi</i> (Friese) through melissopalynology". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 5, Issue 4, 2023, Pages 53-58
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