Carob and Beekeeping
In the Mediterranean, most of the flowers bloom in spring; after the summer drought, autumn is often a scarce period for bees. Carob is one of the rare trees that makes its main flowering during this period, in autumn. This feature makes carob a valuable autumn resource for beekeepers and bees silent partners in yield for carob producers.
In this article we look at the relationship between carob and beekeeping: the flowering calendar, the role of bees in carob pollination and the opportunities for cooperation between beekeepers and growers. The properties of carob honey are covered in a separate article; for wholesale and bulk supply, see our Carob Honey product page.
A Tree Blooming in Autumn
One of the most interesting features of carob is its flowering time. The Agroforestree database identifies carob as the only tree in the Mediterranean with its main flowering period in autumn (September–November) (Orwa et al., 2009). In the fieldwork conducted in Cyprus for two years, flowering was observed from late October to late November (Varnava et al., 2023).
According to the compilation by Dahmani et al. (2023), carob flowers are small (6–12 mm), densely formed on short stems in late autumn, and usually have 15–40 flowers in a cluster. The flowers bloom mostly on branches and stems that are more than two years old. They do not have petals; the male flowers are reddish-yellow in color and have an unpleasant odor, while the female flowers are greenish and odorless (Grimshaw and Bayton).
This flowering calendar is important for beekeeping because Varnava et al. (2023) highlight that carob flowers constitute a very abundant resource in the Mediterranean during the autumn period, when flower availability is generally low.
What Does Carob Offer Bees?
Bees gather two primary resources from a plant: nectar, which is a source of energy, and pollen, which is a source of protein. Carob offers these resources in different proportions, depending on the sex of the tree.
| Tree type | The resource it offers to the bee |
|---|---|
| Male tree | Pollen and nectar |
| Female tree | Nectar only (does not produce pollen) |
| Hermaphroditic tree | Flowers bearing both male and female stamens |
In the Agroforestree record, it is stated that all three flower types secrete nectar (Orwa et al., 2009). Varnava et al. (2023) stated that male trees provide both pollen and nectar, while female trees only provide nectar; based on previous studies, female flowers produce nectar in greater volume and with higher sugar content. In the same study, it was observed that male trees attract more honey bees and hornets than female trees.
In the investor guide of the General Directorate of Forestry, it is stated that carob contributes to the nutrition of bees due to its abundant pollen production and is important for beekeeping in this respect (General Directorate of Forestry, 2020).
How Do Bees Affect Carob Yield?
The relationship between carob and bee is not one-way. While bees feed on carob, carob also relies heavily on bees and other insects to bind fruit.
Wind or insect?
There are different emphases on this subject in the sources. While the General Directorate of Forestry (2020) defines carob as a wind-pollinated species, the Agroforestree database states that pollen transport occurs primarily by insects such as bees, flies, wasps and nocturnal moths (Orwa et al., 2009).
Experimental evidence: 4 to 16-fold difference
The study published by Cyprus University of Technology researchers in the journal PLoS ONE provided an experimental answer to these questions. For two growing seasons, one group of inflorescences was covered with tulle, preventing access for insects and leaving only for wind pollination; the other group was left to open pollination. The results can be summarized as follows (Varnava et al., 2023):
- Open-pollinated flowers produced 4 to 16 times more pods than wind-pollinated ones, depending on the region.
- The pods formed in open pollination were heavier, longer and with more seeds.
- The species that visited the flowers most frequently was the honey bee (Apis mellifera); it was followed by wild bees and hornets.
- At least 10 species of wild bees visited carob flowers; the authors reported that five of them were associated with carob pollination for the first time.
- Visits to butterflies-moths and flies (Syrphidae) remained negligible.
The authors concluded that managing bee populations in and around locust bean orchards can significantly increase fava bean yields. This finding indicates that bees are not only "visitors" to carob but one of the determinants of yield.
This result becomes even more meaningful when considered together with the natural fruit setting rates of carob. In a phenology study conducted in Spain, the fruit setting rate of flowers was found to be between 12.6 percent and 35.0 percent, and it was observed that most of the fruits that initially held fell off before they ripened (Bosch et al., 1996). If this already limited rate decreases further due to insufficient pollination, it means direct yield loss.
Carob and Beekeeping in Turkey
In Turkey, carob is mainly distributed in the Mediterranean coastal belt, on the south-facing slopes of the Taurus Mountains, and approximately 70 percent of the product is collected from wild trees (Yaşam Dair Vakıf, 2018). These regions are also areas where beekeeping is common and hives are moved according to the season.
In the value chain research, it is stated that carob blooms before fruiting and beekeepers show demand for the plant during this period (Yaşam Dair Foundation, 2018). In the news report reporting the results of the carob workshop organized by the Antalya Agriculture Council, Antalya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Antalya Commodity Exchange in Antalya in 2023, it was emphasized that carob blooms at a time when other fruit trees are not blooming and it was recommended to encourage beekeeping (Politika Newspaper, 2023).
This table suggests that carob distribution areas may function as an "intermediate pasture" for bees in autumn. The ability of hives to be fed with pollen and nectar before winter is of particular importance for beekeeping.
Joint Benefit for Beekeepers and Carob Producers
From the manufacturer's point of view
The findings of Varnava et al. (2023) indicate that fruit setting and pod quality may increase in orchards with high bee activity. In the same study, it was mentioned that the hive rental practice, which is common in crops such as apples, can also be evaluated in carob. It was stated that wild bees are also an alternative pollination source and that carob orchards contribute to the protection of wild bees.
From the perspective of the beekeeper
In autumn, when the flower supply decreases, carob orchards and natural carob areas can contribute to the nutrition of colonies. The fact that the use of pesticides is not common in carob orchards is also a positive feature for beekeeping. Varnava et al. (2023) state that the use of pesticides in carob orchards is very rare; Orwa et al. (2009) state that carob is a product that is not traditionally sprayed.
- The flowering period (usually September–November) should be shared with the beekeeper in advance.
- The placement of male and female trees in the garden should be planned in such a way that bees can move back and forth between the two tree types.
- Drug applications that may affect bees should be avoided during the flowering period; if there is a mandatory application, the beekeeper should be informed in advance.
- The natural vegetation around the garden should be protected as a habitat for wild bees.
The Future of Carob as a Bee-Friendly Tree
Carob; It is a species that produces both ecological and economic value in the Mediterranean countryside with its drought resistance, recommendation for afforestation of fire-risky areas and autumn flowering. The Foundation for Life (2018) states that the tree is resistant to fire and drought and is recommended to be used in afforestation of fire-risk areas.
Newly established carob orchards can be considered not only as fruit production, but also as autumn bee pastures. This approach; It reveals a holistic model that provides a food source for the beekeeper before winter, better pollination for the producer, and a habitat for wild bees.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does carob bloom?
The main flowering of carob is in autumn. In the sources, this period is given as September-November; In the observations in Cyprus, flowering lasted from the end of October to the end of November.
Do bees collect pollen or nectar in carob?
Both. Male trees offer pollen and nectar, while female trees only offer nectar.
Does carob bear fruit without bees?
There may also be some pollination by wind; however, in the experimental study in Cyprus, it was observed that open-pollinated flowers yielded 4–16 times more pods than those pollinated only by wind. Therefore, bees are very important for yield.
What is carob honey?
Detailed information about honey obtained from carob flowers What is Carob Honey, What Are Its Properties? You can find it in our article.
The Products of a Bee-Friendly Tree with Carob Türkiye
Carob is one of the important links of the Mediterranean ecosystem with the resource it offers to bees in autumn; bees also support the yield and fruit quality of carob. This mutual relationship makes carob a good example of production in harmony with nature.
At Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, kernels, and extracts. For our products Our Products page, for information about carob fruit Carob Fruit You can take a look at our page. For your wholesale and export requests You can contact.
Domestic resources
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Forestry, "Carob Orchard Facility Project Feasibility Report and Investor Guide", Ankara, 2020. Eskisehir.
agriculture. gov. en/ DocumentsArchive/ Investor 20% Pledge... Yasam Dair Foundation, "Non-Wood Forest Products: Carob Value Chain Research (Research Report)", Nature Conservation Center – OGM – UNDP, GEF Mediterranean Forests Integrated Management Project, 2018. UNDP.
org/ en/ node/ 36986 Politika Newspaper, "Another benefit of carob has emerged" (Antalya carob workshop results), 07.08.2023. my policy.
com/ carob- one- BENEFIT- more- revealed- output Foreign sources
Varnava, A. I., Manganaris, G. A., Stavrinides, M. C., "Assessing the biodiversity and the impact of pollinators on carob production", PLoS ONE, 18(10), e0291431, 2023. doi.
org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0291431 Orwa, C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R., Simons, A., "Ceratonia siliqua", Agroforestree Database 4.0, World Agroforestry Centre, 2009. apps.
worldagroforestry. org/ treedb2/ AFTPDFS/ Ceratonia_sili... Dahmani, W., Elaouni, N., Abousalim, A., Akissi, Z. L. E., Legssyer, A., Ziyyat, A., Sahpaz, S., "Exploring Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.): A Comprehensive Assessment of Its Characteristics, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemical Aspects, and Pharmacological Activities", Plants, 12(18), 3303, 2023. doi.
org/ 10. 3390/ plants12183303 Grimshaw, J., Bayton, R., "Ceratonia siliqua", Trees and Shrubs Online. treesandshrubsonline.
org/ articles/ Ceratonia/ ceratonia- delete... Bosch, J., Del Pino, F. G., Ramoneda, J., Retana, J., "Fruiting phenology and fruit set of carob, Ceratonia siliqua L. (Cesalpinaceae)", Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, 44(4), 359–368, 1996. doi.
Scientific Resourcesorg/ 10. 1080/ 07929978. 1996. 10676657
