Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVII, Issue 1
Written by Monica ENACHE, Silvana Mihaela DĂNĂILĂ-GUIDEA, Adrian Gheorghe BĂȘA, Ștefana JURCOANE
The present study describes the results of a pollen analysis carried out using light microscopy of 8 bee pollen samples collected from apiaries established within Moara Domnească experimental station (Ilfov County) during the fall of 2021, after a summer characterized by very hot and dry weather conditions, especially during the months of June and July. The preliminary analysis indicated buckwheat pollen (Fagopyrum esculentum, Fam. Polygonaceae) as predominant in the pollen grains that were analyzed, then it indicated pollen similar to that of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), but also found in other Asteraceae species (Senecio type pollen) and in smaller amounts Crepis type pollen (can be weeds in crops or ruderal plants: Taraxacum, Leontodon, Cichorium, Tragopogon), Fabaceae-like pollen (Trifolium sp.) and Cirsium type pollen (can be Cirsium arvensis - weed in crops, but also other plants). In Romania, there are few areas cultivated with buckwheat, mostly in the northern part of Moldova. However, this is a fast-growing annual that can be grown as a late-season melliferous cover crop, whose flowers provide both pollen and nectar for honey bees and other pollinators.
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