Palynological Diversity of Melliferous flora around Apiaries from District Mardan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan

The guiding principles for raising beekeeping products in developing countries provide support for commercializing honey production in order to generate income for beekeepers through the exploration of melliferous flora. The main objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the pollen morphology of selected melliferous species that are frequently visited by honeybees in the vicinity of apiaries in the district of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In this study, an updated overview was provided by reviewing the literature regarding palynological investigation of melliferous flora. The morpho-palynological features, dominant plant families visited by honeybees, and life forms of melliferous species were also discussed. The Acetolysis method was used to prepare the microscopic slides of pollen, measure and describe the qualitative and quantitative features using LM and SEM. Results showed maximum pollen polar and equatorial diameter in M. azadirachta (37.9 μm) and (40.9 μm) respectively. The polar to equatorial diameter ratio (P/E) was observed to be the highest in M. domestica (1.14). Colpi length was calculated to be the highest in the P. granatum (13.8 μm). The highest percentage of pollen fertility was calculated in V. tricolor (92.5%), whereas the lowest was in O. rosea (64.28%). Studied characters under LM and SEM have appeared as a useful tool for the delimitation of melliferous flora, which may lead to the correct identification of the potential and valuable bee floral resources for beekeepers. The outcomes of this study aid in the assessment of melliferous flora and help in providing conservation measures for the sustainable development of beekeeping and the honeybee flora of the region.