New Study Reveals Australian Honeybees’ Favourite Legume Flowers

Ian Rogers

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has unveiled a new report identifying the pasture legume fowers most attractive to Australian honeybees.

Led by Dr. Richard Hayes, senior research scientist and head of the Clover4Bees project, the study aims to guide primary producers in choosing forage legumes that not only support honey production but also strengthen partnerships with apiarists. While forage legumes have long been available, the relative value of different species for honeybees was previously unclear.

The two-year pilot project, funded by AgriFutures Australia, evaluated 23 different legume species across four NSW DPIRD research stations. The study focused on fower traits, bee preferences, and nectar characteristics to determine the best options for honeybees.

“From the 23 species studied, six standout contenders were identifed based on their fower attributes, attractiveness to bees, and nectar quality,” Dr. Hayes said.

Subterranean clover and biserrula were found to offer low nectar yields and sugar concentrations, resulting in minimal interest from bees. In contrast, woolly pod vetch and arrowleaf clover emerged as top performers, showing high potential due to their strong appeal to honeybees.

Other legume species identifed as highly attractive to bees include balansa clover, gland clover, Persian clover, and crimson clover, all of which are excellent candidates for boosting honey production and pollination.

Dr. Hayes emphasized the importance of the Clover4Bees project in fostering collaboration across agricultural sectors to promote the use of bee-friendly legumes.

“These fndings come at a critical time, as environmental pressures and restricted access to public lands push the honeybee industry to seek alternative foral resources,” Dr. Hayes said. “By creating pollinator-friendly landscapes, Australia’s agricultural industries can work together to ensure the sustainability of honey production and the health of bee populations, particularly as we face challenges like the varroa mite.”

The full report is available on the AgriFutures website.