Honey Bee foraging dynamics and floral diversity: A Melissopalynological study in Central Uttar Pradesh, India

Bee foraging patterns for honey production show regional variation across India’s flora. This study examined pollen composition in 18 honey samples from five districts of Central Uttar Pradesh-Lucknow, Barabanki, Hardoi, Unnao, and Raebareli. The analysis identified 38 distinct pollen species, with 16 samples being multifloral and two monofloral. The predominant pollen type includes Holoptelea integrifolia , Brassica campestris , Solanaceae, and Moringa oleifera , while 14 species were classified into secondary, 20 important minor pollen types, and 26 minor pollen types. The pollen analysis aimed to identify the floral sources visited by honeybees in Lucknow and adjacent districts. The findings correlated with the vegetation patterns observed near beehive locations during honey production.