Honeybee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), leaf damage on Alnus species in Uganda: a blessing or curse in agroforestry?

摘要: It is a dictum that Apis mellifera Linnaeus innocuous in agricultural ecosystems. This study provides the first record of A. as significant defoliator Alnus species. Careful field observations coupled with microscopic examination provided convincing evidence implicating cause leaf perforation on species Uganda. was observed foraging selectively young leaves and buds search sticky substance, apparently propolis. In so doing, bee created wounds enlarged caused tattering they matured. Biological surveys indicated damage prevalent occurred widely, particularly acuminata Kunth Incidence peaked dry season, up to 90% emerging per shoot month damaged, lowest wet months during peak emergence. consistently higher than nepalensis D. Don., saplings mature trees, sun exposed shaded leaves. The activity honeybees may be detrimental productivity Alnus, yet substance for which insect forages resource potential economic importance.