Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Perennial Bee Forage Species in Highland and Midland of Agro-ecologies of Bale,
South-eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
129-137
Received:
15 January 2026
Accepted:
7 August 2026
Published:
24 August 2026
Abstract: The availability of abundant perennial bee forage species that provide pollen and nectar is a critical factor for the survival, abundance, and distribution of honeybees. This study was conducted in the highland and midland agro-ecologies of Bale zone, located in the south-eastern part of the Oromia Region, with the objective of evaluating the growth performance of selected perennial bee forage species over three consecutive years. The species were selected based on their importance as sources of nectar and pollen for honeybees, their adaptability to a wide range of agro-ecological conditions, and their similar growth habits. The evaluated species were Leucas abyssinica, Becium grandiflorum, and Medicago sativa. The growth performance of these perennial species was assessed using several parameters, including days to germination, days to flowering, duration of blooming, time to shading, flowering period, number of branches per plant, number of flowers per plant, plant height, canopy cover, and honeybee foraging intensity. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize and interpret the results. The findings indicated that Leucas abyssinica, Becium grandiflorum, and Medicago sativa performed well in both the highland and midland sites. Among the species, Leucas abyssinica exhibited the longest blooming period, followed by Becium grandiflorum and Medicago sativa at both locations. The highest mean number of branches per plant was recorded in Becium grandiflorum, while the highest mean number of flowers per plant was observed in both Becium grandiflorum and Leucas abyssinica. Similarly, the highest honeybee foraging intensity (number of bees per 10 minutes per 1 m2) was recorded on Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum. Honeybees were most actively foraging on Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while on Medicago sativa the peak foraging period extended from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In conclusion, the results revealed that all evaluated perennial bee forage species performed well under the highland and midland agro-ecological conditions of Bale. These species provide dual benefits by supporting local beekeeping practices and contributing to the ecological restoration of degraded landscapes. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate Leucas abyssinica and Becium grandiflorum into watershed development programs.
Abstract: The availability of abundant perennial bee forage species that provide pollen and nectar is a critical factor for the survival, abundance, and distribution of honeybees. This study was conducted in the highland and midland agro-ecologies of Bale zone, located in the south-eastern part of the Oromia Region, with the objective of evaluating the growt...
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