Pollen sources of Apis mellifera in select apiaries in Molo, Iloilo and Buenavista, Guimaras

VHIDA LYNN B. LAUREA, KIARRA MARI M. JUNTARCIEGO, ZSANELLE L. SERILO, and CATHERINE JOY A. MEDIODIA
Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000, Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, Philippines

Abstract
Pollen is the source of protein and nourishment for bees which plays an important role in brood development, reproduction and colony strength. It may be necessary for honeybees to forage on different plant taxa to obtain essential nutrients for sufficient nutrition. The absence of pollen can affect the strength of the colony and honey production, therefore knowledge of pollen sources is important for the survival of bee colonies, and for beekeepers to create better colony management practices. The study aimed to determine the pollen sources of Apis mellifera in two apiaries in Molo, Iloilo and Buenavista, Guimaras for the months of May, June, and August. The pollen samples were prepared for analysis through acetolysis. Microscopic examination using a compound light microscope with a magnification of 40x – 100x was used to identify the plant sources through image-based classification with measurements. A total of thirteen families were identified which includes Asteraceae, Arecaceae, Caricaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Liliaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, Salicaceae and Verbenaceae families.

Keywords: Apis mellifera, pollen, acetolysis, Guimaras, Iloilo