COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HONEY STOCK OF NATURAL PHYTOCENOSES FOR BEE FAMILIES OF UKRAINIAN POLISYA

Abstract

The main species of honey plants were identified, and according to phenological observations, the beginning and duration of their flowering in the territory of Zhytomyr Polissya were established. The areas of honeybees, biological and actual honey stock within the radius of productive flight of bees were established. A comparative assessment of the state of the forage base of natural lands for bee colonies for 2010 and 2020 was made. Two research points were set up for the study, one located in the east and the other in the west of Zhytomyr Polissya (a radioactively contaminated and clean area). The geographical location of Polissya is asso ciated with a set of natural and climatic conditions that contribute to the great biodiversity of honey and pollen plants. The fodder base is represented by trees, bushes, herbaceous plants .Analysis of fodder stock for 2010 and 2020 showed that natural phytoce-noses provide a continuous honey base for the development of bee colonies and honey production. Such fodder base cannot change rapidly from year to year, unlike crops of honey crops, as human economic activity for 10 years had minimal impact on its condition. Forest lands provide bee families with quality nectar and pollen when agricultural fields and meadows are not yet in bloom. The influence of adverse weather conditions on nectar secretion has less effect on forest plants than in open areas. Taking into account such factors as the beginning and period of flowering, the occupied area and nectar productivity in the spring-summer period white acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), heart-shaped linden (Tilia cordata), blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), brittle buckthorn (Fran-gula alnus), forest raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blueberry (Rubus caesius), Ivan tea (Epilobium angustifolium), bruise (Echium vulgare L.) provide a honey base for bee families on the territory of natural phytocenoses of Zhytomyr Polissya. The main autumn honey plants of this area are heather (Calluna vulgaris) and goldenrod. (Solidago virgaurea).