Surveying, identification and characterization for the potential honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pollen sources in the arid region of Riyadh-Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study was conducted targeting identification and documentation of major honeybee plants as pollen sources and their phenology in the central arid region of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). Pollen loads were collected using pollen traps and were classified according to their color then traced back to plant species level. Throughout the year, sixteen plant species belonging to 10 plant families has been recorded and investigated by Light Microscopy (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Asian mustard (Brassica tournefortii Gouan.) (15.91%), willow wattle (Acacia salicina Lindl.) (15.17%), mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) (Sw.) DC. (21.81%) and cat's head (Tribulus terresetris L. var. terrestris) (15.52%) were the dominant sources of pollen. The period from May to July was found to be a significant blooming period and the scarcity period was from December to March in the study area. Color, size and shape of the potential pollen sources were variable between different species. Beekeepers could trap pollen loads that were collected from these sources during February, April and July, respectively. In conclusion, wise use and rehabilitation of these potentially identified bee plant species shall be considered in attempting beekeeping development.