Potentials of flora species on the yield of honey in Dakka Forest reserve, Bali local government area of Taraba state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the potentials of flora on the yield of honey in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. Floral resources that could accommodate possible apicultural industry have not been examined in the study area. Data on plant species (trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants) utilized by honeybees were obtained through ocular assessment and total count methods. Information on the micro-climatic factors was gathered from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Jalingo, Taraba State. Yield of honey was recorded from different bee hives for 2 years. Data on species of plants visited by honeybees were analyzed using descriptive statistic, while woody plant species diversity was analyzed using Simpson Diversity Index. Multiple regressions were used in measuring the effect of various factors affecting honey yield. A total of 20 trees belonging to 13 families, 20 shrubs belonging to 12 families and 7 herbaceous plant species belonging to 5 families were visited either occasionally, frequently and very frequently by honeybees in the study area. Results of woody and herbaceous plant species diversity indicated 0.85488400 and 0.915007 respectively. Woody plant species diversity (12.434**) and temperature (0.832*) contributed more than other factors {P<0.05}. R.Square (65.9%) indicated high coefficient of determination between the determinant factors. Total honey yield of 68.1kg and 73.4kg were obtained for first and second years respectively. Langstroth and clay pot hives had the highest (24.6kg) and lowest (6.8kg) yields in the first year, while Israeli top-bar (33.4kg) and Langstroth (9.8kg) in the second year respectively. Further research on plants visited by honeybees and their nutrients composition is recommended.

Key words: plant species diversity, beehives, honey yield.