Nectar, Pollen and Propolis Plant Source Research

Literature Review for Complied List of Nectar, Pollen and Propolis Sources for Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Throughout the World

Wannarka. M.A., Grenada, West Indies, Peace Corps, United States. m.wannarka@gmail.com

Abstract

RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: A review of various research papers, manuals, beekeeping books, and journals to acquire a full list of nectar sources through-out the world.  Dr. Crane’s work Important world honey sources and their geographical distribution. In Bees and Beekeeping: Science, Practice and World Resources is very valuable but with more citizen scientists and new publications, more and more work is slowly being done in this area and is important to capture, share and use to create more pollinator habitat and to inform public and private partners.

METHODOLOGY: Literature review and research documenting nectar, pollen, and propolis sources from world sources (i.e. Eva Crane) to location specific plants, trees and shrubs. If given bloom calendar information was provided also documented. RESULTS: Many publications have been found, researched and of those 22 of have been used and sited to comprise a list of 1600+ plants that are sources for nectar, pollen, propolis and honey dew. Some geographical and bloom calendar information has also been captured along with some local plant names.  CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing research into this topic of plant sources of honey, pollen, propolis, and honeydew for bees is important to educate public, farmers, and government in conserve, create and increase honey bee habitat. Through identification, seeds can be saved, cuttings taken and education on how to best propagate for location specific uses. Local common names and bloom calendar will vary based on region, usage and language needs to be taken into consideration. 

I have also written a blog post further on this idea.