Exploitation of Jatropha curcas, Senegalia polyacantha and Terminalia schimperiana flowers by Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at Dang (Ngaoundéré, Cameroon)

Abstract

To assess the apicultural value of Senegalia polyacantha, Jatropha curcas and Terminalia schimperiana, Apis mellifera workers foraging activity was studied on the flowers of these plant species, from March to July 2015 and 2016. At Dang, the flowers of each plant species were observed two days per week, between 07.00 and 18.00h, for recording the pollen and/or nectar foraging behaviour of A. mellifera workers. Results showed that, A. mellifera harvested intensely and regularly the nectar of each plant species. In addition, T. schimperiana was visited intensely for pollen; S. polyacantha and J. curcas were also visited for pollen but slightly. The greatest mean number of workers foraging simultaneously in activity per 1000 flowers varied from 165 (J. curcas) to 608 (T. schimperiana). During foraging, A. mellifera workers improved pollination possibilities of each plant species and can thus be considered as pollinator.