Bioresource potential of forest lands as the source of honey yield in steppe area of the river Don

Abstract

Abstract Successful development of beekeeping, the increased number of beehives and apiaries, as well as high yields of honey and wax are possible only thanks to good and sustainable bee forage. The task of the study was to determine exactly species diversity of melliferous flora in different phytocenosis, to define honey productivity of plant formations in steppe zone of the river Don, bioresource potential and honey supply in different vegetative communities on forest fund lands, to develop the complex of measures, directed to rational and effective use of natural melliferous plants of forest lands. Species composition of nectar bearing vegetation on forest fund lands according to forest and non forest categories is determined. The northwestern part of the region is the richest one, there are more than 1200 plant species,and many of them are melliferous. The southeastern part is poorer in flora.As a result it is defined that there is a huge bioresource forest potential for honey yield in Rostov region. Approximate honey supply on forest fund lands is not less than 6468 tons and the number of beehives is about 54 thousand. One of the most perspective species for bee breeding is black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).