MELITTOPALYNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE HONEYS OF TAMIL NADU

摘要

Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in India in Beekeeping development. With 2,78,059 number of colonies and 51,000 beekeepers in 1990-91, it stood first in the country in honey production. Melittopalynological studies have been undertaken by theCentral Bee Research and Training Institute on honeys collected at its different field centers in different parts of India. The results of these studies on honeys from Tamil Nadu are presented in this communication. The honeys ranged from pale yellow toamber in colour. The total dissolved solids varied from 74.2 to 80.2%. The absolute pollen count ranged from 10,000 to 77,000. Tamarindus indica at Surulipatti, Tamarindus indica and Psidium guajava at Pallavilai, Hevea brasiliensis at Thadikkarankonam and Surulode, and Santalum album at North Arcot were unifloral sources of honey produced by Apis cerana in Tamil Nadu. The studies help beekeepers in Tamil Nadu to fonnulate their seasonal bee management schedules, particularly for migration of colonies to different floral sources. This can enhance their honey production.