Mixed tree plantation as forage for European honey bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.): a melissopalynological analysis

Abstract This study aimed to assess the contribution of tree plantation’s woody species and understory vegetation as forage for pollinators using melissopalynological analysis. Honey from European honey bee ( Apis mellifera L.) hives placed adjacent to a ten-year-old plantation of aspen, willow, alder, birch, lime, maple, and wild cherry was analysed. In total, 40 types of pollen were identified in the honey. In early spring, predominant pollen originated from Salix spp. (willow), in spring - pollen of Brassicaceae (oilseed rape) dominated in the honey, but in summer multiflower honey was picked up. These findings support the importance of mass flowering woody species for early-season foraging, sustaining food resources for pollinators throughout the season within the landscape context. However, during the later stages of spring and summer, the understory flora of the tree plantation was poorly utilised by honey bees. Even though 65 species of vascular plants were present in the understory, honey bees exhibited a preference for nearby mass-flowering crops of oilseed rape. It should be investigated further if this behaviour temporarily alleviates the competition with wild pollinators in surrounding ecosystems.