Foraging dynamics of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): relationships with colony performance and meteorological conditions

This study investigated the foraging dynamics of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and their relationships with colony performance metrics and meteorological conditions during the 2023 flowering season in Assiut, Upper Egypt. We monitored diurnal foraging activity (7 am - 3 pm) via quadrat counts and colony entrance observations, alongside bee population, sealed brood, pollen, and honey areas (sq2/colony) at 12-day intervals. Foraging peaking at 11 am - 1 pm in July (30-45 bees/colony/min) and declining sharply by September (<5-10 bees/colony/min). Colony performance peaked in late August, with significant increases in bee population (940 ± 183 sq2/colony), sealed brood (383 ± 34 sq2/colony), and pollen stores (161 ± 34 sq2/colony), followed by late-season declines reflecting resource senescence and winter preparation. Pearson correlations revealed significant negative associations between air temperature and foraging activity (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, wind speed negatively affected early-morning foraging (r = -0.684**). Relative humidity showed no significant effects. These findings highlight basil as a critical late-summer forage supporting colony buildup in arid agroecosystems, while revealing vulnerabilities to heat and seasonal dearth. Integrating diversified forage and climate-resilient practices is recommended to sustain this mutualistic bee–plant interaction amid environmental change.