PROGRAM: P-6
Title:
POLLEN RESOURCES OF APIS ANDRENIFORMIS SMITH FROM SEVERAL BARANGAYS IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES2Professor 1, Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
Abstract:
Sixteen colonies of Apis andreniformis Smith from eight (?) selected barangays in Puerto Princesa City (PPC), Palawan, Philippine were used in the study. Pollen from the honey and midgut of representative bees were extracted to determine the bee species’ pollen sources and preferences. Twenty-six palynomorphs belonging to 21 genera and five families were recognized. Common Palawan plant, Begonia laciniata Roxb. was most abundant and was the primary pollen resources. Secondary pollen sources were Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Araceae type, while majority were considered as important minor pollen. The diversity of flora identified indicates non-selectivity of food sources. Interactions between floral characteristics such as structure may have played an important role in the species’ food preference. Bees may have been more attracted to those that offer easy access to the rewards.
Acknowledgements:
The authors would like to thank the locals in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines for helping us during the sample collection; Alejandro C. Fajardo Jr., for providing some of the reagents, glassware, and other laboratory materials and other technical assistance needed in this research; and the International Foundation for Science, for the partial funding.