author(s)
Waykar Bhalchandra, Baviskar R.K., Nikam T.B.

abstract
The present investigation was conducted to study the diversity of nectariferous and polleniferous bee flora and to develop a floral calendar for Anjaneri and Dugarwadi hills. The flowering plants were visited and observed for the presence and foraging activities of honeybees. Plants were scored as bee foraging species when at least three honeybees had visited to the flowers within the period of 10 minutes. The results revealed that 52 plant species were useful to honeybees, out of which 29 were agricultural crops and 23 wild plants. The identified flora was further grouped into pollen, nectar and both pollen and nectar yielding plants. Mid-December to February and mid-July to September were identified as honey flow periods and mid -April to mid- June were the critical dearth periods during the year. Based on the availability, utility status and flowering duration of flora, floral calendar was developed for the study area.