Effect of flora diversity on honey production in selected Local Government Areas in Kwara State

Abstract

The study on the effect of honeybee flora diversity on honey production was carried out in six selected local government areas of Kwara State between May 2018 and April 2019. The survey of the plants in the study area was done twice a week in all the locations during the study period. The plants identified and their relative abundance were determined. A total of 38 honeybee flora species categorized into 13 families with Fabaceae 11 (28.9%) being the highly visited followed by the families: Anacardiaceae 6 (15.8%) and Moraceae (15.8%). The flowering periods of the plants differed seasonally, with more flowering in the rainy season. The extensive cultivation and propagation, and conservation of these important honeybees plant species in the study area were suggested to improve honey production in Kwara State.