Ecological and biological features and nectariferous value of elm trees

Abstract

Bee pasturages and natural-climatic conditions in the forest fund of the steppe Pridonye are characterized by great variability. Plantations of European white elm, Scotch elm and English elm occupy 2.2% of the area of the steppe Pridonye. The purpose of this study was to identify honey-bearing species by the forest phytocenosis components in ravine elms and floodplain forests and to determine the honey productivity of plant formations. Accepted methods of scientific research in beekeeping were utilized. The silvicultural and taxational characteristics of the forest stand were obtained, the species composition of the honey-bearing flora was specified and the honey productivity by forest types was determined. Honey productivity of the plant formation of ravine elms is 106.4–203.3 kg/ha. European white elm (Ulmus laevis) provides honey productivity of 32.9 kg/ha in the forest phytocenosis on the shady banks of the ravine oak forests. Field maple (Acer campestre) contributes to this significant index (203.3 kg/ha) in the stand composition on high and steep gully slopes. On the light banks honey production is characterized by honey-bearing undergrowth species, which are found mainly in forest glades and woodsides, as well as the carpet plants representatives. In elm-herbage-nettle-blackberry floodplain forests, the main honey yield (35.3 kg/ha) is given by European white elm and white willow (Salix alba), while in the undergrowth it is given by common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), alder (R. alnus), and European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus). Skillful use of the honey-bearing potential of forest plants not only makes it possible to successfully develop beekeeping, but also to ensure a significant increase in the forest fund of the southern regions of the European part of the Russian Federation.