Spécificité Du Butinage De La Flore Mellifère Par Apis Mellifera Adansonii (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Pour Une Apiculture Durable Dans Les Territoires De Madimba Et De Mbanza-Ngungu (Kongo Central, République Démocratique Du Congo)

Abstract

 This study consisted of contributing to a better knowledge of honeydews. Data on the pace of plant foraging were observed in Lemfu (Locality of Madimba Territory) and Kanka (Locality of Mbanza-Ngungu Territory) in Kongo Central Province, from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023. Results reveal that Apis mellifera adansonii collects flowers every hour, continuously between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., throughout the day and all months of observation. The daily average numbers at the flight hole vary from 125 to 513 ± 134 bees in Lemfu and 96 to 480 ± 134 in Kanka; and the monthly averages are 321±134 and 291±134 bees respectively. The pollen harvest, for which 24±20 and 21±18 bees remain the average monthly frequencies, is carried out at the same rate. It is weak around 1 p.m., practically zero from 3 p.m. and is carried out intensely between October and December, accumulating respectively 64% and 60% of all pollen carriers, the average proportions of which vary from 5 to 12%. Obviously, the absolute frequencies of foragers do not impact variations in occupancy and pollen transport. The periods from June to August and from October to December remain those of the great honey flow in Lemfu and Kanka respectively. While the periods February, March and April, May respectively represent those of the small honey flow. It appears interesting that these observations are repeated on other sites in our study area in order to obtain more representative data. However, mastering these indicative results is recommended for a good overview over the months, in order to establish a consistent beekeeping calendar.