Quantifying Nectar Secretion Capacity of Dombeya torrida (J. F. Gmel.) for Honey Production

Abstract

The honey production potential of a honey plant is assessed based on the total floral nectar secretion capacity of the plant foraged by honeybees within a specific location. This study aimed to assess the honey production potential of Dombeya torrida plants by examining their nectar secretion dynamics. A group of flowers was enclosed with mesh bags a day before collecting nectar to measure the accumulated volume. Nectar volume, concentration, and ambient temperature were measured at hourly intervals. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods including one-way ANOVA and linear regression. The average sugar content per flower per season was found to be 14.3 mg, with a range from 2.3 to 47 mg. Based on this, each D. torrida tree was estimated to secrete an average of 0.94 kg of sugar, with a range from 0.15 to 3.1 kg. Nectar volume and concentration varied throughout the day, with temperature significantly influencing nectar concentration. The study estimated that a single D. torrida tree could yield around 1.2 kg of honey per flowering season, with a range from 0.18 to 3.78 kg. Additionally, on a larger scale, D. torrida plants were projected to produce an average of 300 kilograms of honey per hectare, ranging from 45 kg to 945 kg. These findings suggest that D. torrida has considerable potential for honey production. Consequently, planting and conservation of this plant for sustainable honey production practices is recommended.