Eucalyptus erythrocoris: a source of nectar and pollen for honey bees in Israel

Eucalyptus erythrocoris F Muell blooms between July and September in Israel, when sources of nectar and pollen are scarce. A survey of E. erythrocoris was conducted and the characteristics and environmental requirements of the trees in different biotopes were recorded. The flower phenology was studi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inApidologie Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 25 - 33
Main Authors Lupo, A., Eisikowitch, D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Springer Verlag 1990
Subjects
Agricultural sciences
Animal biology
Animal production studies
Apidae
Apis mellifera
Biodiversity
Ecology, environment
Hymenoptera
Invertebrate Zoology
Life Sciences
Israel
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Summary:Eucalyptus erythrocoris F Muell blooms between July and September in Israel, when sources of nectar and pollen are scarce. A survey of E. erythrocoris was conducted and the characteristics and environmental requirements of the trees in different biotopes were recorded. The flower phenology was studied and amounts of nectar secreted and nectar sugar concentrations determined. During the 4 days of its bloom, a single flower secretes 4 ml of nectar, which contain nearly half a gram of sugar. There was a high correlation between the foraging behaviour of the honey bees and the stages of nectar secretion and pollen release. Thus, it was concluded that, in addition to its nectar contribution, this tree is an important source of pollen. For this reason, together with its beautiful flowers and its environmental requirements, E. erythrocoris is recommended as an ornamental tree in Israel.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0044-8435
1297-9678
DOI:10.1051/apido:19900104