Research Article
Floral Nectar Secretion Dynamics and Honey Production Potential of Leucas abyssinica (LAMIACEAE)
Shimu Debela Lema*,
Tura Bareke,
Admassu Addi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
28-34
Received:
31 March 2025
Accepted:
21 April 2025
Published:
24 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.bio.20251303.11
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Abstract: Ethiopia's beekeeping industry benefits immensely from the diverse range of plant species that are supported by the country's ideal environment. However, different plant species produce different amounts of nectar, which has a direct impact on how much honey is produced. Many factors, such as flower shape, flower morphology, flowering phenology, and the amount and quality of nectar produced, affect how much each plant species contributes to the production of honey. The quality and amount of nectar are also greatly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sunlight. Measuring nectar production in relation to these climates parameters is essential. Knowing how much honey each blooming plant species can produce is important for determining how they affect beehive productivity and for guiding management plans for forests and watersheds. Therefore, this study was aimed to quantify the dynamics of nectar secretion and the honey production potential of Leucas abyssinica. To measure the accumulated nectar volume, a set of flowers was enclosed with mesh bags one day before nectar collection. Nectar volume, concentration, temperature, and humidity were recorded at 4-hour intervals. It was adjusted according to the flower size the species. The collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and linear regression. The results showed significant differences (at p < 0.05) in nectar secretion dynamics at various times of the day. The volume of nectar available between consecutive measurements ranged from from 0.78 to 1.04 (µl) per flower. Nectar concentration varied throughout the day, ranging from 30.35% to 36.79%. Temperature and humidity were negatively correlated with nectar volume and concentration. Based on the average nectar sugar content, the mean honey production potential was estimated at 32.2 kg/ha, with a maximum potential of 110 kg/ha. These findings suggest that L. abyssinica have substantial honey production potential. Therefore, promoting the planting and in-situ conservation of this plant species is recommended to support sustainable honey production.
Abstract: Ethiopia's beekeeping industry benefits immensely from the diverse range of plant species that are supported by the country's ideal environment. However, different plant species produce different amounts of nectar, which has a direct impact on how much honey is produced. Many factors, such as flower shape, flower morphology, flowering phenology, an...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Storage Types with Pot-in-Pot Technique for Preservation of Tomato Fruit in Holeta, Western Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Nesru Zeynu*
,
Abdi Keba
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
35-42
Received:
13 February 2025
Accepted:
22 April 2025
Published:
29 May 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.bio.20251303.12
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Views:
Abstract: Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated and extensively consumed horticultural crops worldwide. However, it is more vulnerable to post harvest losses than other crops due to its more perishable property. This experiment was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different storage methods in improving shelf life of tomato fruits. The experiment consisted of three treatments (storage using pot in pot technique, cooling (Refrigerator) and room temperature (control). Which were laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. A total of 138 tomato fruits with uniform maturity stage, shape and size were collected from Holeta Horticulture research field and 46 fruits were randomly assigned to each treatment. Highly significant (P<0.001) minimum loss of physicochemical properties (pH, TA and TSS) along time (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days) was observed for fruits stored using pot in pot technique. The highest mean weight loss percentage was observed for fruits stored under room temperature. Results of sensory evaluation along time revealed that there was highly significant difference (P<0.001) among the treatments. Accordingly, the highest mean scores of firmness (4.07+0.87), color (4.08+1.03) and overall acceptability (4.00+0.92) were recorded for tomato fruits stored using pot in pot technique at 18°C, while the value for general appearance (3.92+0.94) was higher for fruits in refrigerator at 13°C. In general, pot in pot method was found to be best suited for 30days storage period at 18°C without much affecting quality of tomato fruits.
Abstract: Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated and extensively consumed horticultural crops worldwide. However, it is more vulnerable to post harvest losses than other crops due to its more perishable property. This experiment was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different storage methods in improving shelf life of tomato fruits....
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