"Bee flora," also known as bee pasturage or bee forage, refers to the collective plant species that bees visit to gather essential materials for their survival and the production of bee products like honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. These plants provide two primary resources: * **Nectar:** A sugary liquid produced by flowers, serving as the main carbohydrate source for bees, which they convert into honey for energy. * **Pollen:** The male reproductive cells of plants, rich in proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins, vital for bee growth, particularly for feeding the queen and developing larvae. Some plants also provide **extra-floral nectaries** (nectar produced outside of flowers) and **propolis** (a resinous substance collected from tree buds and sap flows, used by bees for hive construction and defense). ### Importance of Bee Flora Bee flora is absolutely crucial for: * **Honey Production:** The abundance and diversity of bee flora directly impact the quantity and quality of honey produced. Different plant species contribute to distinct flavors, colors, and medicinal properties of honey. * **Bee Health and Colony Survival:** A continuous and diverse supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year is essential for the nutritional requirements of bee colonies, leading to stronger, healthier bees, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. * **Pollination Services:** Bees are critical pollinators for a vast array of agricultural crops and wild plants. Approximately one-third of the world's food crops and 90% of all plants rely on cross-pollination, largely facilitated by bees. This service is vital for food security, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. * **Ecosystem Balance:** By supporting the growth and reproduction of wild plants, trees, and flowers, bee flora contributes to complex, interconnected ecosystems that provide food and shelter for countless other creatures. ### Types of Bee Flora Bee flora encompasses a wide range of plant types, including: * **Agricultural Crops:** Many cultivated plants are important sources of nectar and pollen, such as oilseeds (sunflower, mustard), legumes (clover, alfalfa), fruits (citrus, apple), vegetables, and spices. * **Horticultural Crops:** Ornamental plants, garden flowers, and fruit trees in orchards. * **Forestry Crops/Trees:** Various tree species like eucalyptus, neem, and tamarind. * **Wild Plants and Weeds:** Many wild-growing plants, often considered weeds in other contexts, are excellent sources of bee forage. Examples include dandelions, clovers, and various wildflowers. Plants can be categorized based on what they primarily provide: * **Nectariferous:** Plants mainly providing nectar. * **Polleniferous:** Plants mainly providing pollen. * **Both Nectar and Pollen:** Plants that offer both resources, which are often preferred by bees.

1. BEE FLORA
course:- Management of beneficial insects (APE 323)
Submitted by:-
Aditya Raj sharma (AG/302/22)
Ankit kumar (AG/317/22)
Kaif Akram (AG/330/22)
Vishnu Naik (AG/361/22)
Submitted to:-
Dr. Usha

2. Importance of bee flora
•Food Production: A significant portion of the food we eat relies on bee pollination. Many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds depend on bees for their
production. Without adequate bee flora to support healthy bee populations, the yield and quality of these crops would decline, impacting food security.
•Ecosystem Health: Bee flora supports not only bees but also a wide range of other organisms. The plants provide food and habitat for various insects,
birds, and other animals, contributing to the overall health and stability of ecosystems.
•Honey Production: Bee flora is the source of nectar, which bees convert into honey. Honey is a valuable natural product with nutritional and economic
benefits.
•Biodiversity: A diverse array of bee flora contributes to greater biodiversity. Different plant species provide varied nectar and pollen sources, supporting a
wider range of bee species and other pollinators. This biodiversity is essential for a healthy and resilient ecosystem.
•Pollination: Bees are crucial pollinators for a wide variety of plants, including many agricultural crops. They transfer pollen from one flower to another,
enabling fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits. This process is essential for the reproduction of countless plant species and the maintenance of
biodiversity.

3. Pollen availability periods
•.
Flow Period: This is the time of year
when there is a high availability of nectar
and pollen-rich flowers. During this period,
bees can easily collect food, which is
crucial for honey production and colony
growth.
• Lean Period: This period is
characterized by a scarcity of flowering
plants. Food sources for bees are limited,
which can pose challenges for their
survival and honey production.
Transition Period: This refers to the time
between the flow period and the lean
period (or vice-versa). During transition
periods, the availability of bee flora is
changing, either increasing or decreasing.
There may be some flowering plants
available, but not in the same abundance
as during the flow period
•Second Transition Period: In the
context of the document, this refers to the
transition period after the lean period,
when floral resources are starting to
increase again, leading into the next flow
period.

4. BEE FLORA CALENDAR
Specific to central India and Bundelkhand region

5. JANUARY
Agricultural Crops:
•Mustard (Brassica napus): (P2, N2) - Important oilseed
crop; provides both pollen and nectar.
•Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): (P1, N1) - Spice crop;
good source for bees.

6. JANUARY
Floriculture crops
•Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata): (N1) -
Provides nectar.
•Bottle Brush (Callistemon lanceolatus): (P1, N1) -
Ornamental tree; offers pollen and nectar.

7. FEBRUARY
Fruit Crops:
•Jamun (Syzygium cumini): (P2, N1) -
Fruit tree; important source of food for
bees.
Agricultural Crops:
•Mustard (Brassica napus),
•Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
•Eucalyptus spp. - (N1)

8. MARCH
Fruit Crops:
Aonla (Emblica officinalis): (P1, N1) –
Medicinal fruit; provides pollen and
nectar.
Vegetable Crops:
Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia):
(P1, N1)
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): (P1,
N1)

9. MARCH
Trees:
•Drum Stick (Moringa oleifera): (P1, N1)
•Indian Neem (Azadirachta indica): (N1)
•Kanphuli (Tridax procumbens): (P1, N1)
•Palas (Butea monosperma): (N3) - Provides a
good source of nectar.

10. APRIL
Fruit Crops:
•Aonla (Emblica officinalis)
•Mulberry (Morus serrata): (P1, N1)
Agricultural Crops:
•Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum):
(P1, N1) - Fodder crop
Vegetable Crops:
•Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
•Trees:
•Palas (Butea monosperma)

11. MAY
Fruit Crops:
•Bel (Aegle marmelos): (P1, N1)
•Guava (Psidium guajava): (P1)
•Mulberry (Morus serrata): (P1, N1)
Trees:
•Babul (Acacia nilotica): (P1, N1)
•Jhar Ber (Ziziphus nummularia): (P1, N1)
•Kaitha (Rutaceae): (P1, N1)
•Copperpod (Peltophorum pterocarpum):
(P1, N1)
•Karanj (Pongamia pinnata): (P1, N2)
Agricultural crops:
•Maize (Zea mays): (P2)
•Molshree (Mimusops elengi): (P1, N1)
•Sesamum (Sesamum orientale): (N1)

12. JUNE
Trees:-
• Copperpod (Peltophorum pterocarpum):
(P1, N1)
•Karanj (Pongamia pinnata): (P1, N2)
Agricultural crops:-
•Maize (Zea mays): (P2)
•Sesamum (Sesamum orientale): (N1)

13. JULY
In July, the amount of available bee flora is typically
lower compared to other months
Molshree (Mimusops elengi): (P1, N1)

14. AUGUST
Agricultural crops:-
•Sunflower (Helianthus annus): A major
source of both nectar and pollen for bees.
•Sesame (Sesamum indicum): Provides
both nectar and pollen during this month.
•Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan): A good
source of nectar for bees.
•Maize (Zea mays): Primarily a pollen
source, but can also provide some nectar.
•Black Gram (Vigna mungo): Provides
nectar and is a favorite of bees.

15. SEPTEMBER
Agricultural Crops:
Rice (Oryza sativa): (P1)
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): (P2)
Other Crops:
Ban Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum): (N2)

16. OCTOBER
FRUIT:-
Zizypus spp. (Ber): Known for its flowering and fruiting
period extending into the fall, providing nectar and
pollen.
Agricultural crops:-
Sesamum indicum (Til): A flowering plant that may
continue to bloom in some areas during October,
providing nectar and pollen.
Lantana camara: A commonly found flowering plant
that can be a source of nectar and pollen for bees.
Crotolaria juncea (Sun hemp): A plant known to flower
in the late summer and early fall, offering nectar.
Pisum sativum (Pea): While it is a winter crop, some
varieties may flower earlier, providing resources for
bees.

17. NOVEMBER
Agricultural:-
Toria (Brassica campestris var toria):
This plant is known to be a good source of both nectar
and pollen for bees. Its flowering period overlaps with
November, making it a valuable foraging source for bees
at this time.
Fruits:-
Ber (Zizypus): While the main flowering period for Ber
is often in the spring (March-April), some varieties
might have a second flowering in the autumn.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica): Tamarind is a plant that
can provide both nectar and pollen, and while it's not as
prolific in the autumn as in the spring, it could still be a
foraging source.
Citrus: Various citrus fruits, including lemons and
oranges, can bloom at different times throughout the
year.

18. DECEMBER
•Agricultural Crops:
•Mustard (Brassica juncea): (P2,
N3)
•Onion (Allium cepa): (P1, N1)
•Other Crops:
•Eucalyptus spp.:(N1)

19. .
Underutilized Crops and Bee Forage
The Bundelkhand region has a wealth of underutilized crops
that could serve as valuable sources of bee forage. These crops
are often well-adapted to the local climate and can provide
sustenance for bees during periods when other floral resources
are scarce. Some examples include:
•Neglected vegetables: Various indigenous vegetables that are
not widely cultivated could offer important pollen and nectar
sources.
•Fruits:
• Karonda (Carissa carandas)
• Bael (Aegle marmelos)
•Other:
• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
These underutilized crops not only support bee populations but
also have the potential to provide nutritional and economic
benefits to local communities. By promoting their cultivation,
we can enhance both biodiversity and human livelihoods.

20. .
Threats and Conservation
Bees and their habitats face several threats in the Bundelkhand
region, including:
•Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanization.
•Pesticide use, which can directly harm bees or reduce their food
sources.
•Climate change, which can disrupt flowering patterns and
reduce the availability of bee flora.
To protect bees and ensure the continued benefits they provide,
several conservation strategies can be implemented:
•Promoting bee-friendly farming practices, such as reducing
pesticide use and planting diverse crops.
•Conserving and restoring natural habitats, such as forests and
grasslands, which provide important sources of bee flora.
•Creating bee sanctuaries or gardens with a variety of flowering
plants that provide food for bees throughout the year.
•Raising awareness among the public and policymakers about
the importance of bees and the need to protect them.

21. Thank You
Source: Diversity of nectariferous and polliniferous bee
flora of Bundelkhand