Foraging activity of Rockbee (Apis dorsata) on Eucalyptus: A promising MPTs in South Gujarat condition

Abstract

The present investigation was carried outat Navsari Agricultural University campus to find out the foraging activity of rock honeybee (Apis dorsata) on fully bloom Eucalyptus plants during November month in South Gujarat condition. For this purpose, four fully bloomed trees in four locations in NAU campus were selected. Rock honeybee visitation and percentage of visitation per hour per tree were studied along with temperature and relative humidity at that time.Rock honeybee visitation and percentage of visitation were found maximum during the morning hours as compared to the afternoon hours. Maximum frequency of visit (334.4) and maximum percentage of visitation (16.08%) by rock honeybee was found during 9-10 AM followed by 10-11 AM.