Biodiversity of melliferous plants of the Surkhandarya region and assessment of their use

Abstract

A detailed study of the species composition, nectar productivity and honey productivity of the wild-growing melliferous flora of the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan has been carried out. It was found that the majority of melliferous species grow in the adyr zone - 231 species and in mountainous areas - 280 species. The melliferous plants of the studied region are secondary melliferous plants, thus providing additional takings and contributing to the development of bee colonies. New melliferous plant species with a high sugar content in nectar (from 1.4 to 243 mg in 100 flowers) have been identified. Species of the genus Onosma were found to be highly nectariferous. The average amount of nectar secreted by 100 flowers of plants of this genus ranges from 100 to 243 mg.