Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-31551

Genetic Diversity of Honey Producing Plants under Changing Climate in Southern Nigeria: Need for Conservation to Improve Food Security and Livelihood Option

C.V. NnamaniA.N. Uguru

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Abstract

124 words

This study was conducted at Southern Nigeria from 2010 to 2011 periods of honey producing seasons. Five honey samples from three states in Southern Nigeria were evaluated palynologically after acetolysis to determine their pollen spectrum. Results showed 56 honey plants belonging to 32 families with Anacardiaceae contributing (22.08%), Caesalpiniaceae (31.16%), Euphorbiaceae (26.02%) while Papilionaceae contributed (20.74%). Predominant honey plants were Anacardium occidentale L, Ageratum conyzoides L, Danialla oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch & Dalz., Alchornea cordifolia Muell, Arg, Trichilia spp. and Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Apart from A. occidentalis and E. guineensis which are cultivated others are foraged from the wild. Policy makers and indeed beekeepers should embark on extensive propagation, afforestation, and conservation of these predominant honey plants to improve food security and reduce hidden hunger.

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