The Relationship between Bees and Their Host Plants in Karacadağ Paddy Fields

Paddy is a major food source of more than half of the people in the world. This study was carried out in order to determine the relationship between pollinator bees and weeds in Karacadag paddy cultivars in Southeastern Anatolia Region. The study was done in Şanliurfa and Diyarbakir provinces between 2010-2011 years. The samples were collected weekly during June and October by using sweep net and D-vac machine. In Karacadag paddy fields, 11 species of 2 family were determined including beneficial insect species. Eleven of these species [Halictus resurgens Nurse, H. tetrazonianellus St., Seladonia pollinosa (Sichel), S. smaragdula (Vachal), S. cephalica (Mor.), Evylaeus pauxillus, E. trichopygus (Bluet.), E. glabriusculus (Mor.), E. convexiusculus (Sch.), Lasioglossum discum (Smith) (Hym.: Halictidae) and Megachile deceptoria Perez, Megachilidae)] were pollinators. From the weeds; Cichorium intybus L., Conyza canadensis (L.) (Asteraceae), Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae), Trifolium arvense L., T. haussknechtii var haussknechtii Boiss., T. resupinatum L. (Leguminecea), Lythrum hyssopifolia L. (Lythraceae), Veronica lysimachioides (Boiss.), V. anagallis-aquatica L. subsp. oxycarpa (Boiss.) Elenevskyi (Scrophulariaceae), Physalis sp. and Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae) were also determined from the same areas. The continuity of these weeds depends on the presence of bees. Especially C. intybus L. and Trifolium spp. have got abundant nectar and pollen and they are important in beekeeping due to their high nutritional value. These plants contribute to fertilization by increasing nitrogen compounds in the soil. Therefore, the crop rotation will both support pollinator populations and provide a more profitable production for the people of the region. Keywords: Karacadag rice, Paddy, bees, Pollinator, Southeast Anatolia Region