Summary

An opportunity exists for graziers to alter their choice of forage legume species to incorporate species that support honey production. This, in turn, will increase the forage options available to honey bees and promote increased linkages between apiarists and private landholders. However, there is presently no data available to support such changes in practice as almost no information exists on the important floral attributes of most forage legume species. A pilot study is required to refine methodologies for comparing floral attributes and to prioritise forage legume species of interest to the Australian honey bee industry. There are too many species and cultivars to be screened in the first instance; and there is wide variation in the morphology and phenology of the range of species available making side-by-side comparisons of floral characteristics challenging, such as flower abundance and access to nectar for pollinators. The pilot study represents a first attempt to examine the floral characteristics of many pasture legume species, especially novel annual species. In conjunction with an industry advisory panel, the initial screening will identify and rank the most promising species for further assessment and will establish appropriate sampling methods across species. The project will engage with pasture researchers across eastern Australia and train them in methods to sample and compare floral attributes of legume species, to foster increased focus on this aspect in future legume evaluations. The project will build on synergies with existing MLA pasture projects to develop extension messages and support adoption of alternative legumes by graziers.

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

(DPI) The Crown in right of the State of New South Wales acting through the Department of Primary Industries within Regional NSW