Melissopalynological analysis and floral spectra of Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier bees in different agroecologies of southwest Ethiopia

The availability of bee forage limits honeybee productivity and is very important for beekeepers. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the major botanical resources of honeybee, A. mellifera scutellata, in Southwest Ethiopia. Between October 2019 and October 2020, 69 group discussions (8–12 beekeepers), field observations, and pollen analysis were used to collect data. A total of 72 honey samples were collected from five districts at different seasons for pollen analysis. Most of the honey samples tested (93.06%) were multifloral, while 6.94% were monofloral. Melissopalynological analysis indicated that Eucalyptus camaldulensis (52.02%) was the predominant pollen type and is considered monofloral honey. Terminalia spp. (25.96%), Guizotia spp. (17.80%), and Bidens spp. (17.61%) were secondary pollen types and classified as multifloral honey. Terminalia spp., Guizotia spp., Vernonia spp., Bidens ssp., Plantago spp., and E. camaldulensis were pollen types recorded in honey samples in all agroecologies. Beekeepers ranked Schefflera abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina, and Cordia africana as the first source of pollen and nectar for honeybees in highland, midland, and lowland, respectively. Additionally, V. amygdalina, Coffea arabica, Croton macrostachyus, and C. africana were commonly observed bee flora in all agroecologies. Honey bee management, such as bee forage shortages, the occurrence of brood and swarming, varied significantly (P < 0.05) among different agroecologies. In the present study, 53 honeybee plants were identified as pollen and nectar sources for honeybees. Various herbs (41.50%), trees (30.20%), and shrubs (28.30%) played a major role in honey production. Thus, beekeeping should be integrated with vegetation conservation for livelihood improvement and food security. Furthermore, existing bee flora should be cultivated in areas to increase the harvesting of honeybee products and improve the apiculture industry.