THE POTENTIAL OF MARGINAL LANDS FOR BEES AND APICULTURE - NECTAR SECRETION IN MEDITERRANEAN SHRUBLANDS

We studied the floral nectar production (volume, concentration, total sugar content) of 76 species of a phryganic community near Athens, Gre ece. The mean values per flower are 0.76 mul, 55.1% and 0.43 mg, respe ctively. The median date of flowering is not related of any of the nec tar values measured. By contrast, family and life-form memberships, to gether with flower depth and shape, are related to nectar parameters. Labiatae are by far the most nectar-rewarding species of the community , contrasting mainly to Compositae. Therophytes produce significantly less nectar than herbaceous perennials. Species with flowers > 4 mm de ep yield more nectar than those with shallow flowers. As a consequence , similar patterns are shown by the floral shapes. Nectar concentratio n is negatively correlated with flower depth. Our data allow us to est imate the apiculture potential of phrygana. A knowledge of this potent ial may lead to a better management of these areas, which may also ben efit both the local flora and native pollinating fauna.