Effect of different indigenous bee attractants in Onion (Allium cepa L.) crop

The results concluded that spraying of jaggery solution 10% and sugar solution 10% attracted maximum number of Apis dorsata up to 3 days after first spray (at 10% flowering). After second spray, the effectiveness of attractants was maximum on 1 day after spray (at 50% flowering). Sugar solution 5%, jaggery solution 5%, sugarcane juice 10% and molasses 10% were the next best treatment in attracting more number of bees. As regard Apis florea, jaggery solution 5 and 10%, sugar solution 5 and 10% were efficient in attracting more bees up to 5th day of first spray, however after 2nd spray their effect remained up to 3rd day but it was maximum at 1 day after second spray. In case of Apis cerana spraying of jaggery solution 10% attracted more bees up to 5th day of first spray and 3rd day of second spray. Sugar solution 5 and 10%, jaggery solution 5%, sugarcane juice 10% and molasses 10% were the next best treatments. Molasses 5%, honey solution 5% and open pollination without spray attracted less number of bees.