تحديد توزع الأشجار الحراجية العسلية و الطلعية المهمة لنحل العسل في الساحل السوري باستخدام نظم المعلومات الجغرافية

Abstract EN

A survey of main and secondary nectar secreting forestry trees was carried out along the coastal region of Syria during 2014 and 2015.

Maps of their distribution were constructed using geographic information systems and their blooming periods and importance for beehives were determined.

Data showed the spread of 32 species of nectar and pollen secreting forestry trees in Tartous and Latakia governorates.

65 % of species were visited for both nectar and pollen, whereas 9.38 % of species were visited for nectar only and 21.88 % for honeydew.

One species (Quercus infectoria Oliv) (gall oak) was visited for both honeydew and pollen (3.11 %).

The questionnaire distributed to beekeepers confirmed that eucalyptus (Eucalyptus caryophyllus Dehnh.) was the most important forestry tree for beehives followed by heather shrub (Erica vertisellata Forssk), especially in autumn prior to hives over wintering.

It was noted that areas covered with gall oak and Lebanon oak (Quercus libani Oliv) are limited in comparison with other honeydew secreting species in spite of their importance in honey production.

This study emphasized the importance of forestry trees as a main source for beehives feeding which indicated the need for expanding the area of the honey species suitable for coastal region mainly heather and Lebanon oak.

In addition, the study identified the tree distribution areas to beekeepers in order to maximize benefits.