Evaluating range plant species suitability for apiculture (Case study: rangeland Sarab Sefid, Boroujerd, Lorestan)

Appropriate management in beekeeping industry requires comprehensive information about nectar and pollen plants and flowers that attract honeybees. This study aimed to identify the range plants appropriateness for apiculture and evaluate the attraction of nectar and pollen producing plants in Sarab Sefid rangeland located in Brojerd- Lorestan. The data collection was performed in flowering stages in spring 2013، and the plants used to attract honeybees were identified by fieldwork. Chronometer method was used to record the time that bees spent in each plant type during a fixed five minutes period. The nectar and pollen plants attraction for bees were evaluated in 9 steps. The attractiveness of plants was categorized in 4 classes (excellent- good- average and low) using a cluster analysis method. In this study 160 plant species belonging to 106 genus and 31 families were identified. According to the results، 29، 28 and 104 plant species were identified as producing «nectar»، «pollen» and «nectar and pollen» respectively. Mid May to early August was identified as the best flowering period in the study area. Results showed that 29 plant species (78. 22%) were identified with excellent attractiveness to honey bees، 46 species (28. 75%) good، 60 species (62. 5%) average and 25 species (15. 63%) had low attractiveness to honey bees.