Melittopalynological Analysis of Apis Dorsata Honey of Kotagiri Slopes, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

Kotagiri is one of the important honey producing zones in the Nilgiris (Anonymous, 2001). Honey collection from Apis dorsata hives is an income generation activity for the honey hunters of this region. The present work involves analysis of Apis dorsata honey from the forest of Kotagiri slopes in the Nilgiris with a view to know the pollen and nectar sources for the bees. As part of the investigation, 18 honey samples were collected from the honey hunters during the honey harvest season in June-July, 2011. The samples were acetolysed. A total of 10 pollen types were present in the honey sample studied. The present study indicates the importance of Syzygium cuminii and Pterolobium hexapetalum as a major source of forage to the bees. Efforts to enhance the cultivation of these species can be suggested. Syzygium cumini yield edible fruits and also help in the development of bee keeping and forest honey production in the region.