Screening of Beekeeping Potential on Three Wild Plant Species in Nyambaka (Adamawa Region of Cameroon)

Abstract

Beekeeping is one of the most important sources of income for bee farmers in Nyambaka, Cameroon. Understanding the contribution of various plants around apiaries is important for the development of the beekeeping sector. The aim of the present study was to examine the availability and profitability of the food resources harvested by honeybees from the flowers of Keetia venosa (Rubiaceae), Maranthes kerstingii (Chrysobalanaceae), and Nicandra physalodes (Solanaceae) in the study area between June and March 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Parameters of worker bees' foraging behavior were recorded on the flowers of each of the plant species twice a week between dawn and dusk during the flowering period. In addition, palynological studies were also conducted on the honey samples from the study area. The results showed that worker bees collected nectar and pollen from all three plants. Foraging densities varied from 67 per 1000 flowers in K. venosa to 401 per 1000 flowers in M. kerstingii. The average sugar content was 30.59% (K. venosa), 32.46 % (M. kerstingii), and 34.78% (N. physlodes). M. kerstingii produced high nectar; N. physalodes was found with high nectar and pollen content mean while K. venosa produced abundant nectar and a little amount of pollen. It was equally noticed that all honey samples contained traces of pollen grains from all the plants. A beekeeping calendar was also established for the three types of plants in the study area. Therefore, the protection of these plant species should be an important practice for the sustainability of beekeeping in Nyambaka.