Master’s Thesis at the University of Basrah Explores the Role of Foraging Honey Bees in Revealing Plant Diversity
The College of Agriculture at the University of Basrah conducted a study on the role of foraging honey bees in identifying plant diversity and the use of pollen grains in tracing the botanical origin of honey in Basrah Governorate.
The thesis, submitted by master’s student Zahra Shabbout Dakhel, aimed to utilize various diagnostic techniques—including sample staining and light microscopy—to analyze the patterns and structures of pollen grains and to identify variations in their composition across different flowering seasons.
The research also focused on assessing the plant diversity that supports honey bee colony activity and its impact on honey productivity, in addition to determining the floral origin of honey through pollen analysis.
The results indicated that increased vegetation diversity enhances bee activity and significantly boosts honey production.
Department of Media and Governmental Communication
