Page No. • Acknowledgement I • List of Plates II-IV • Abstract ...

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CONTENTS

Page No.

Acknowledgement I

List of Plates II-IV

Abstract submitted to UGC(1-7) 1-5

Material and Methods 6-7

Map of study region (3-4)

Table No.1 & 2 3-14

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to university Grant Commission, New Delhi, for sanctioning of

this project and give a chance to work with Farmers and knowing their life styles,

hard work during day and night in the field etc.

I am also thankful to Principal H. R. Aher, Prof. Dr. M. H. Aher (HOD) for

their constant support, encouragement, valuable guidance, laboratory facility and

granting leaves during this study.

I must mention my special thanks to my mother and father for timely help,

support and encouragement.

I am sincerely express deep sense of gratitude and inspiration from my wife

Ms. Sunita, and daughter Pratikasha and Prerna and Son Nikhil.

I shall not forget timely help, support and encouragement of my

departmental staff members Prof. Dr. D. K. Aher, Shri. A. G. Aher and Shri G. R.

Karwal.

I am also thankful to Librarian Shri. D. T. Bhamare has given the reference

books and Journals time to time during this work.

There are no words to express my feeling to ten farmers for patience, co-

operation and understanding me during this work.

Principal Investigator

Prof. Dr. D.M. Survase Dept. of Botany

Karmveer Ramraoji Aher Arts, Science & Comm. College, Deola Dist. Nashik

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Certificate

Date:

This is certify that the present work of this minor project entitled

“Role of Honey Bees in the Production of Pomegranate Crop in Deola Region of

the Nashik District of Maharashtra” is an original work carried out by

myself and not previously submitted to this work for M. Phil, Ph.D.,

project or any other similar work.

Prof. Dr. D.M. Survase Dept. of Botany

Karmveer Ramraoji Aher Arts, Science & Comm. College, Deola Dist. Nashik

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“Role of Honey Bees in the Production of Pomegranate Crop in Deola Region of the Nashik District of Maharashtra”.

INTRODUCTION:

Nashik District of Maharashtra state has different topographical, edaphic & climatic

features comprising rich flora in its varied types of forests. Nashik District is located between

latitude 19035I & 200 50I and longitudes 730 30I& 74055I and occupies an area of 15,582 sq. km.

towards east side Jalgaon & Aurangabad District on south by the Ahmednagar & southwest by

the Thane district, on the northwest side the Dang & Surat district of Gujrat & on the northwest

side by Dhulia district.

The name Nashik derived from an incident in the great epic Ramayana, this is the place

where Lakshmana is said to have chopped off the nose (Nasika) of Ravana’s sister Surpanakha &

other the town is situated on nine peaks.

The district divided in to fifteen revenue places. The forest covered an area of 3,446.26

sq. km. The district has 20 towns & 1652 villages. The population of the district, according to

the Census of India, 2001, Nashik had a population of 1,152,326. Males constitute 54% of the

population and females 46%. Nashik had an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the

national average of 64%; male literacy was 80%, and female literacy was 66%. In Nashik, 14% of

the population is under 6 years of age.

The western part of the district under the Sahyadri ranges includes Western ghat in which the

peaks like Kalasubai (1846 m.) & Tryambak (1294 m.) are well known. The eastern & southern

parts have plain and in northern part high hills are found. The Godavari is the main river

originated near Tryambak and in north the Girna brought large area of district under irrigation.

Nashik is a historical city along with this many tourist places like Tryambak, Madhmeshwar,

Bhagur, Dodheshwar, Komatgaon, Nandur increases value of district. Salher, Mulher, Ankai,

Malegaon and Chandwad forts are present in the district. Vaitarna, Kalasubai, Anjaneri,

Shaptshrungi, Markendey etc. places of tourist interest. Tatya Tope, Sawarkar were from same

district and Surat loot by Shivaji maharaj brought by Nashik district.

The climate of Nashik region is characterized by dryness except in monsoon season.

Western ghat (Igatpuri, Surgana and Peth) rainfall is heavier than the rest part of district. The

temperature is going down to 50 c in winter and rising up to 430c in summer.

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Map-2: Showing study region (Deola) and other revenue places of Nashik District

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Deola is one of the small revenue place of Nashik District. It occupies an area 10,523 sq. km. In this region onion, bajra, maize, pomegranate, vegetables, ground nut, sugar cane etc. crops are commonly cultivated. Deola is one of the large market place for onion and pomegranate. Pomegranate is one of the important major cash crop cultivated on large area due to availability of water facilities.

In the present study the role of honey bees in the production of pomegranate has been considered. Most of the farmers in this region are cultivating pomegranate crop as per availability of irrigation. This crop is harvest twice in a year. Honey bees suck juice from the flowers and carried out pollination in this crop. Pollination rate increased and setting of fruit enhances ecofriendly, hence yield increased significantly. Hence they are visited to many flowers and carries pollen grains from one to another flower with their mouth and body parts. Pollination rate enhances by the honey bees eco-friendly and increasing yield up to 30-50%. Honey bees are very useful insects for cross pollination crops like sunflower, pomegranate, onion, wheat, bajra etc.

These bees living in the colony in which three types of honey bees are living in each colony. Workers are playing vital role in the pollination and increases production in cross pollinated crops.

Use of honey bee is an eco-friendly and cheaper method of increase the crop yield. Many institutes sell the culture in the form of bee boxes.

Agriculture is a backbone of India, whole economy of India is related with agriculture. India is having the second rank in the population of after the China. Due to population primary needs cannot be fulfilled, hence plant breeders tries to develop such types of varieties which giving higher yield.

Use of honey bees for the increase in the production of pomegranate crop ecofriendly and given the economic support to the farmers leads to decrease the percentage of suicides of farmers. Pomegranate is a perennial plant harvesting twice in a year. It is cross pollinated plant. Flowers are large, bell shaped, and dark red in colour and consist of few hundred in number. It also has unique medicinal value along with nutritive values. This fruits are available in market more or less throughout the year. Honey bees boxes cultures are placing in the study region of selected farmers, causes significantly increased the yield in the form of fruits (30-50%). Due to honey bees increases yield ecofriendly. Naturally pollinating insects are found very rare because of hunting of honey colonies, decrease in the forest area, cutting of wild plants, industrialization and spraying of pesticides.

Aims and Objectives: 1. Honey bees increases in the crops yield eco-friendly in the without any type of pollution. 2. It is cheaper and labour saving method of high production of crop. 3. It is very easy natural technique, no any instruments required. 4. This technique is useful in the all cross pollinated crops. 5. Fruits produced by this technique are healthy, stronger and lager in size 6. Fruits are high economical, medicinal and nutritive values. 7. Farmers getting double advantage by use of honey bees i.e. one is increase in

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the yield and other is selling of honey product in the market. 8. By this technique onion seed production also increased which cultivated on large area.

Whole work summarized or planned in the following way.

Part –I: First Year 1. Survey of pomegranate crop fields in Deola region. 2. Selection of farmer’s field for putting the honey bee boxes. 3. Interview or discussion with farmers. 4. Yield obtained of pomegranate crops cultivated in the previous year.

Part-II: Second Year 1. Frequent visits to farmer’s fields after regular intervals. 2. To create awareness in the farmers to use honey bees culture box. 3. Arrange the training programme about honey bee culture box to farmer. 4. Yield differences before and after use of honey bee boxes culture. 5. Reactions of farmers.

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Table No.1: List of Selected Farmers for Bee Keeping From Deola Taluka, Dist. Nashik (Maharashtra)

Sr. No.

Name of the farmer

Address with Mobile Bee culture was given 21 Jan, 2013

Bee Box

given

Land under cultivation in Acres

Total Pomegranate

1. Aher Ashok Gangadhar

Matane Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9270279072 01 05 01

2. Jadhav Chandrakant Namdeo

Wakhari Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9421993148 01 3.5 02

3. Jadhav Nandkishor Pandharinath

Wakhari Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9503171406 01 15 04

4. Nawale Ramdas Namdeo

Vithewadi Road Deola, Tal. Deola, Dist. Nashik

9975928227 01 6.5 6.5

5. Nawale Santosh Gobaji

Vithewadi Road Deola, Tal. Deola, Dist. Nashik

9966714247 02 09 09

6. Pawar Amol

Bhaur Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9404532324 01 10 04

7. Pawar Hemant

Bhaur Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9730422898 02 12 04

8. Pawar Sachin

Bhaur Tal. Deola Dist. Nashik

9404985454 01 32 04

Total 10

Pomegranate has originated from Iran. It is cultivated in various countries like China, Japan,

Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Spain, America and India. In India Maharashtra is a leading

producer of pomegranate. In India land under pomegranate cultivation is more than 107

thousand hectares and 743 thousand tons production. Maharashtra is leading producer of

pomegranate followed by Karnataka, A. P., Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. In Maharashtra cultivation

in the district of Solapur, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Sangli, Dhule, Latur, Osmanabad, Jalna,

Parbhani, Aurangabad and Satara. In India Land under cultivation decreases during 2010-11 i.e.

107 thousand hectares and production 743 tons and in 2008-09 which was 109 thousand

hectares and production 807 tons (National Horticulture Board, 2011). State wise production of

pomegranate is given in following table.

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State wise area and production of pomegranate (NHB, 2011)

State

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Area Production Area Production Area Production % production

Maharashtra 82 550 98.90 555.50 82 492 66.21

Karnataka 14.30 138.10 13.20 138.50 13.60 142.60 19.19

Gujarat 4.0 39.30 4.40 45.60 5.80 60.30 8.11

A.P. 6.50 64.70 5.60 56.40 2080 27.80 3.74

Tamil Nadu 0.40 10.00 0.40 17.50 0.50 12.70 1.71

Other 2.00 5.10 2.50 6.90 2.60 7.70 1.04

(APEDA Database, 2011-12):

Major varieties cultivated in Maharashtra are Mridula, Phule Arakta, Ganesh and

Bhagwa. Pomegranate fruits are available throughout the year. Flowering time

Mrig Bahar -June to August and harvesting November to March,

Hasta Bahar-Octomber to November and harvesting February to may

Ambe Bahar – January to February and harvesting June to August

India produce a finest varieties of pomegranate which having soft seeds, very attractive color of

fruits and grains

Export of pomegranate from India

Pomegranate is thought to have been first cultivated 5 to 6,000 years ago and is native to

the regions from Iran through north India (DAF, 2005). The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

is a fruit bearing deciduous small tree which grows up to 5-8 meters tall. It is best suited to

different climates where winters cool and summers are hot. Leaves are opposite, sub-opposite,

oblong, entire 3-7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red, 3 cm in diameter with 4-

5 petals or more. Fruits are 5-12 cm in diameter and hexagonal in shape with thick reddish skin.

Seeds in each fruit have 200-1400. Each seed has watery pulp and edible aril which is deep red

or purple coloured. Pomegranate can be consumed as a fresh fruit or used in fruit juices, tea,

pharmaceutical and medicinal products and in dyes or decoration.

Globally, it is estimated that total production amounts around 2,000,000 tons of which

India produces approximately 50% in the states of Maharashtra and Andra Pradesh. Iran is

Year Quantity (Tons) Value in Rs. Lakhs

2007-08 35175.17 9119.49

2008-09 34811.21 11461.62

2009-10 33415.07 11942.84

2010-11 18211.67 7095.20

2011-12 30158.59 14726.88

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second largest producer around 35% of global production. Spain produces 2.5 % and USA has

around 10,000 ha under production (RIRDC, 2008).

The pomegranate plant consist of two types of flower i.e. male (sterile) and bisexual

(Fertile) flowers develop on the single plant. Flowers have attractive red calyx and corolla with

one flower contains about 200-350 anthers and bisexual flowers contain 400-1000 or more

ovules (Derin and Eti, 2001). Pomegranate is the self as well as cross pollinated which increases

fruit yield up to 20% and pollination achieved by an insect vector. Evidence suggests that insect

pollinators including honey bees are of significant benefit increasing the fruit setting and quality

pomegranate yields. When flower are bagged to exclude insects and cross pollination, fruit

setting up to 45% obtained (Mc Gregor, 1976). With subsequent cross pollination fruit setting

can increase up to 68% and additionally there is an enhanced in fruit quality. In the year 2012-

13 in the Maharashtra, the land under pomegranate cultivation was 7664 hects. (Agrovan, 7

April, 2013).

Honey bee or Apiculture:

Bees are small and hardworking insects. Every third bite of food we take, thanks to bees

and other pollinator. The main objectives of this study were effect of honey bees (Apis mellifera

L.) on the fruit setting, yield and quality of fruits of pomegranate in Deola area. Bees are the

important component of an agro ecosystem in India as a pollinator and conservation of

biodiversity. In several cross pollinated crops including pomegranate honey bees are cheapest

and effective method of enhancing crop yield in both quantity and quality ecofriendly. The total

value of pollination services provided by all insects globally comes excess of 100 billion US

dollar annually (2003 Valuation). In India 50 million hectares of land are under bee dependent.

An estimated loss in India due to complete absence of bee pollination has been measured

between Rs. 10,000 to 55,000 per hectares in some crops. (Mohapatra L. N., Sontakke B.K. and

Ranasing N, 2010, working in the O. U. A. T., Bhubaneshwar).

ADVANTAGES OF BEE AS A POLLINATING AGENT

Honey bees are most efficient pollinators of several agricultural, horticultural, silvicultural,

fodder and wild flora because of following characters

Body parts are specially modified to pick up many pollen grains.

Flower fidelity and constancy

Potential for long hours

Maintain high population when needed

Adaptability of different climate condition.

Body covered with hairs and has structural adaptation for carrying nectar and pollen

They do not injure the plants.

Body size and proboscis length is very much suitable for many crops.

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Pollination carried out in wide variety of crops and wild flora.

CHANGES DUE TO HONEY BEE POLLINATION IN PLANT:

Stimulate the germination of pollen on a stigma.

Increase the viability of seeds, embryo and plant.

Fruits became more nutritive and aromatic.

Stimulate faster growth of plants.

Increase in the size, number, quality and yield in crop.

Increasing the fruit setting and reduces fruit drop

In pomegranate no production of male flowers.

Enhances resistant to diseases.

Increase in contains of the fruit (sugar, fat, protein etc.)

PROTECTION OF BEES FROM PESTICIDES:

Use selective pesticides which are less harmful to bees at recommended concentration.

Avoid the use of dust formulation as they are more harmful to bees than liquid

formulation

Avoid spraying of pesticides during flowering of the crop and peak forage time of bees.

Spraying may be done in the evening hours when bees do not forage.

Colonies may be shifted during heavy spraying schedule.

PLACING OF BEE HIVES IN THE FIELD:

It depends upon several factors like density of plants in the field, number of flower per

plant, duration of flowering, strength of bees and number of flowers per unit area. Generally

two colonies of Apis mellifera required per hectare.

TIME OF PLACING COLONIES:

For better pollination bee colonies should place in the field at night time when the 20%

of crop in bloom. Their number depends upon the number of flower per plant and number of

plants in the field.

Nutrients:

Honey yields 64 calories per table spoon, 18 essential and non-essential amino acids

present in the honey which is unique and varies by floral source. Proline is the primary amino

acid, along with this lysine, phenyl alanine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid.

Water 17.20%, fructose 38.29%, glucose 31.28, sucrose 1.31%, maltose 7.21%

carbohydrates 1.54, acid 0.57%, protein 0.26%, mineral 0.17% enzymes and vit.2.21%

METHODOLOGY:

1. Survey of pomegranate crop in the study region:

Deola is a one of small revenue place of the Nashik district. In this area

pomegranate, onion, bajra, maize, sugarcane and vegetable crops are commonly grown

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every year. We visited most of the farmer who cultivated pomegranate as a cash crop.

We discussed with the farmer and telling them importance of honey bees. We gave

detail information and role played by honey bees in the pollination and increase in the

yield of pomegranate ecofriendly. Few of farmers uprooting the pomegranate plants

from their field because of one severe disease occurred on the pomegranate plants. This

disease is very common in Deola region since 2008. Tellya is a bacterial disease which

causes oily spots on leaves and fruits. Affected fruits cracked open and become

uneconomical.

2. Selection of farmers for putting honey culture box:

After survey of pomegranate field ten farmers were selected whose field having

in the flowering stage. These selected ten farmers trained by Dr. T.B. Nikam, director of

Suprakruti Madhushala, Gangapur and Nashik. He gave practical training to the selected

farmers with the help of honey bee cultures, laptop and working of various instruments

in his Madhushala. We have taken two days training in the January, 2013. Immediately

after this, Apis mellifera L. culture in wooden box placed in the pomegranate field at the

night time. Bee box are placed above the ground on the table and protected from their

natural enemies like red ants, wasps etc. After placing the bee box in the field regular

visiting and observations is note down. Farmers make aware about pesticide spraying.

3. Discussion with the farmers:

First time in Deola region this experiment of putting honey cultures into the

pomegranate field carried out by Deola College under the guidance of UGC. We deserve

or telling the importance of honey bees and cross pollinated crops. In the hive worker

bees are hardworking and pollinating agent. Drones and queen are also found in the

hive. Farmer getting double advantages, like increase the crop yield and honey can sold

into the market. Farmer gets extra income and income which timely help to the farmers

and their suicide decreases. Farmer makes aware about the honey bees and advantages

of them. Along with this increase the yield of farmer by selling the honey, royal jelly,

wax and other byproducts.

4. To create awareness in the farmers to use of honey bee culture:

Due to depletion of forest wild or natural honey bees and pollination insect are

not found commonly. Hence with the help of honey bees cultures increase the crop

yield and restore the biodiversity. Honey bees are visiting 2-3 km away from bee box

and provide free pollination service to mankind. Honey bees are called as “Krushi

Laxmi” of farmers.

In another country like USA, Canada, Israel etc. bee keeping is an agro based

commercial business. Special industries provide service for pollination. Honey bee

culture is available on hiring services.

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Table No.2: Yield of pomegranate in the farmer’s field

Name of Farmer

Variety cultivated

Cultivated year

Total No. of Plants

Yield in tons Yield Increased %

Without bee box

With bee box

Increased Yield

1. Aher Ashok Gangadhar

Shendri 2002 400 05 08 03 60

2. Jadhav Chandrakant Namdeo

Mridula 2005 600 06 09 03 50

3. Jadhav Nandkishor Pandharinath

Shendri & Arakta

2006 1200 11 16 05 45

4. Nawale Ramdas Namdeo

Shendri & Arakta

2009 2400 27 40 13 48

5. Nawale Santosh Gobaji

Shendri & Arakta

2005 & 2011

2600 50 65 15 30

6. Pawar Amol

Shendri 2012 1600 06 09 03 50

7. Pawar Hemant

Shendri & Arakta

2013 1200 ------ 09 ………. ------

8. Pawar Sachin

Shendri 2012 3000 06 10 04 40

RESULT AND CONCLUSION:

The main objective of this study was to measure honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) impact on the

fruit set and yield of pomegranate.

Effect of pollination on the yield of examined canola crop, it was confirmed that increased seed

yield in plants available to pollinating insect compared to those 16% in Australian studies (Manning and

Boland,2000), by 20-24% (Jablonski et al, 1985) and by over 50% in Czech Republic experiment

(Kamler,1983).

Similarly in this study yield of pomegranate was significantly increased after placing of bee box

in the pomegranate field. Pomegranate is cultivated commonly in this area. But last seven years in this

area one severe disease occurs on the pomegranate plant called as “Tellya disease.” Many farmers

uprooted their pomegranate plants. In such condition we placed apiculture in the eight farmer’s field.

Before that to the farmers training is given at ‘Suprakruti Madhushala’ Gangapur Road, Nashik (Mah) on

19 and 20 th Jan, 2013. After that ten honey boxes given to selected farmers in their field.

Crop yield of pomegranate crop is significantly increased up to 65% in the study area. Ten

apiculture boxes were given to the farmers. These boxes were placed into the pomegranate

field and it was found that increase in the yield from 30 to 65% of pomegranate crop.

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It was also reported that fruit setting was 100% successful and fall down rate of flowers was

zero approximately. Fruit enhanced in all the respect i.e. size, shape, colour and weight.

Observations:

1. Yield increased up to 30 to 65% of pomegranate crop.

2. No flowers fall down below the plant (Droup out rate)

3. Fruit setting 100% successful

4. Fruit size and colour become brighter

5. Fruits more economical and nutritive

6. Farmers getting honey

7. Fruits healthier and disease free

Applications:

1. Pomegranate yield increases significantly by this method cheaply.

1. Naturally wild insects like honey bees, wasp etc. are uncommon due to deforestation,

restores it and don’t hunting of bee hives.

2. In Israel revolution in yield of agriculture crop only by the use of apiculture.

3. Hunger of increased population may be fulfilled by placing of apiculture in the field.

4. This method is ecofriendly, cheaper, easy& increases employment.

5. Yield of crop may be increases double by putting apiculture, every civilian will get the food

material.

6. Bees provide free pollination service.

Suggestions:

1. Government should establish the apiculture industry or bee keeping business in every

district of country which provide honey bee box culture available to required farmer

in flowering season cheaply.

2. Apiculture provides to farmer in a cheaper cost.

3. Make aware to the farmer about the use of honey bees in the field.

4. Training programs should be organized every year and promote the farmer.

5. Employment may be created by establishing bee keeping business

“Every third bite of food you take, thanks to bee or other pollinator”