Study of foraging behaviour of honeybee on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

This investigation consists of only initial report of foraging activity of honeybee for collection of nectar and pollen. Foraging activity of honeybee is directly proportional to plant productivity up to certain extent. Four species of bee viz., Apis dorsata, Apis florea, Apis mellifera, and Apis cerana were observed for foraging on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) flowers during the flowering period. In early variety of pigeonpea Pusa-33 the number of foragers were higher as compared to the late variety MS 3783. Puss-33 provided nectar and pollen as food source and raw materials for beekeeping industry during the lean period. The highest number of foragers have been recorded between 11 AM to 2 PM.