NSW Report Highlights Attractive Legumes for Honeybees.
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has published a report detailing which pasture legume flowers are most appealing to Australian honeybees.
Dr. Richard Hayes, a senior research scientist at NSW DPIRD and leader of the Clover4Bees project, explained that primary producers have always had the option to plant forage legumes. These legumes can support honey production by providing better resources for honeybees and fostering collaboration with beekeepers.
Previously, little was known about how different pasture legume species could benefit honeybees. However, a two-year pilot project funded by AgriFutures Australia has addressed this gap by evaluating 23 pasture legume species at four NSW DPIRD research stations. The study focused on the flower characteristics, bee preferences, and nectar qualities of these legumes.
“From the 23 pasture legume species, we identified six top candidates based on their flower attributes, bee preferences, and nectar characteristics,” said Dr. Hayes.
The research found that subterranean clover and biserrula had low nectar yields and sugar concentrations, which led to fewer visits from bees. In contrast, woolly pod vetch and arrowleaf clover were standout performers, showing high attractiveness to bees.
Other legumes, such as balansa clover, gland clover, Persian clover, and crimson clover, were also recognized as highly appealing to honeybees, making them strong candidates for enhancing honey production and pollination efforts.
Dr. Hayes emphasized the importance of further research and collaboration with different agricultural sectors to make better use of these legumes. “These findings come at a critical time, as environmental challenges and limited access to public lands have pushed the honeybee industry to seek out new floral resources,” he noted.
He added that creating a more pollinator-friendly environment can help ensure the sustainability of honey production and support bee health, especially in light of challenges like the varroa mite.
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