This study aimed to evaluate the nectar secretion patterns and honey production potential of three plant species: Erythrina brucei, Ehretia cymosa, and Persea americana. To measure nectar volume and concentration, five inflorescences from different parts of each tree were enclosed in fine mesh bags one day prior to sampling. From these, fifty flowers per tree were randomly selected, and nectar volume was measured at one-hour intervals. The average nectar volume per flower over 24 hours, mean nectar concentration, and sugar content per flower per season, as well as per tree and honey yield per tree, were determined for each species. The results showed that E. brucei produced 9 µl of nectar per flower with 40.34% sugar concentration, amounting to 8.08 kg of sugar per flower/season and 9.85 kg per tree. E. cymosa produced 5.8 µl of nectar with 20% sugar, resulting in 5.8 kg per flower/season and 7 kg per tree. P. americana produced 4.37 µl of nectar with 24% sugar, totaling 9.1 kg per flower/season and 11 kg per tree. The actual harvestable honey was estimated at approximately half of the potential yield (895.5 kg/ha). Mean nectar volume and concentration varied significantly throughout the day, with temperature positively correlated with nectar concentration. Based on honey production potential, one hectare of productive trees can support the following number of colonies: E. brucei -127 (traditional), 59 (transitional), 33 (frame); E. cymosa -125, 58, 33; P. americana -212, 98, 55, respectively. Given their high nectar potential, these species can be used to produce honey wherever they are abundant. Therefore, propagation and in-situ conservation are recommended to ensure sustainable honey production and environmental conservation.
Beyi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.