Morphobiological features and the significance of the species Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. as honey plant

Abstract

Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. is a species native to North America and the Andean Mountains in South America. The climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova are favorable for the growth and development of this species, where it is known as a valuable honey, ornamental and forage species. It is an herbaceous annual, which ends the growing season by producing seeds. The germination capacity of seeds is 77.5±6.18% and the germination energy is 1-3 days. The weight of 1000 seeds is 1.96±0.03 g. The researched species is of interest to beekeepers, being a source of food for honey producing and pollinating insects, available for about 55 days, ensuring high productivity of honey, with long growing season. Insects visit the plants the most frequently between 11:30 and 12:30, since at this time nectar is abundantly produced. It provides food for a wide range of honeybees and pollinators. The entomological monitoring carried out at the "Alexandru Ciubotaru" National Botanical Garden (Institute) revealed the presence of 27 species of insects present on the organs of P. tanacetifolia plants, representing 6 orders, 20 families and 24 genera, insects with a diverse trophic spectrum. According to diversity and frequency, species of the genus Apis and Bombus, the main honey-making and pollinating insects, were more abundantly present.