Cyperus rotundus L. is a common perennial weed which is in full bloom in months of May and June, a time of floral scarcity (dearth period) for honeybees. Present study revealed that Apis mellifera foraged on inflorescences of these plants abundantly during morning hours (5:40 to 9:00 am) and maximum abundance was recorded at 7:00 am (35 bees/m2/min). Average foraging frequency of A. mellifera bees was observed to be 26.64 spiklets/min. or 18 plants/min. Foraging rate was adversely effected by increased wind velocity. Average pollen load collected was found to be 6.37 mg/bee indicating the importance of weed for beekeeping and wild honeybees.
