Potential Production and Feed Sources for Tetragonula biroi Bees in Meliponiculture in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the feed sources and product potential of stingless bees (Tetragonula biroi Friese) in meliponiculture at Kahu Village, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research aims to evaluate the productivity of bee products, their environmental adaptation, and the utilization of local resources. Correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) version 2021.2.2 were employed to analyze the data. Results demonstrated an annual average honey production of 775.77 g per hive, with yields ranging from 664.30 g to 903.90 g. Bee bread production averaged 38.80 g per hive, while propolis production reached 77.60 g per hive. Among the types of propolis produced, asphalt, coral, and batumen propolis were identified as predominant. Asphalt propolis functions as a nest protector with antimicrobial properties, coral propolis is rich in terpenoids and polyphenols which have the potential to be a source of bioactive compounds, and batumen propolis helps increase the nest's resistance to moisture and microorganisms. A floristic analysis identified 32 plant species serving as sources of nectar, pollen, and resin, with notable contributions from Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). The results of the analysis showed a very significant relationship between the weight of honey per pot and the total weight of honey in the hive (r = 0.97), the number of honey pots and the total weight of honey in the hive (r = 0.97), the weight of bee bread per pot and the total weight of bee bread (r = 1.00), number of pots of bee bread and total weight of bee bread (r = 1.00), total weight of honey and total weight of propolis in the hive (r = 0.99), as well as number of hives per breeder and annual honey production (r = 1.00), shows a very strong correlation relationship between these variables. The very strong correlation between these variables shows that structural parameters and hive productivity, such as the number and weight of honey pots and bee bread, directly influence production results in meliponiculture, which can be used as an indicator of efficiency and potential for optimizing the production of honey, bee bread and propolis. Keywords: Bee bread, beekeeping, honey, meliponiculture, plant resources, propolis, stingless bee, Tetragonula biroi.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint