Phytosociology, preferences and floristic mapping of the most appreciate species by Apis mellifera and other Apoidea

The alteration of natural and rural landscapes of northern Italy, caused by the broad urbanization and the intensive use of agricultural lands, has led to a reduction in the nectariferous species with the depletion of the food resources available and necessary for the survival of the bees. The existence of architectural barriers determined by human settlements, and the reduction in cultivated areas of nesting sites for wild bee species often alters and obstacles bee movements in the areas in search of the food source. The impact of these factors is extremely variable in relation to the bee-species studied, Apis mellifera L. or other social or solitary bees. In the case of A. mellifera, numerous factors should be considered and they imply both the survival of the colony and the productive capacity in terms of honey produced. The analysis of the territory is therefore fundamental, supported by phytosociological studies, use of databases related to land use and apiaries position as a proxy indicator of territorial suitability for the creation of maps aimed at verifying the potential beekeeping of the territories surrounding the hives. It is evident how these maps, obtained with the support of Web & Mobile App and GIS, become a scientific tool for the study and design of environmental improvement interventions and for crop management in support of the honey bees. With regard to this last aspect, the results of some specific studies on nectariferous species, potentially introduced in association with other crops to support bees in times of difficulty, are reported. Furthermore, in the panorama of highly anthropic environments, botanical gardens and urban parks, rich in numerous species that alternate blossoming period to improve the aesthetic purpose, can be used as open-air laboratories for the study of the relationships among bee-species, environment, floral species, and flowering. Through the study of the flower-bee network, it is possible to identify the most suitable species to support both A. mellifera and/or other species of Apoidea, both generalists and specialists. It is also possible to deepen the relationships that correlate the flower traits to the different species of bee present considering the interaction between the morphology/bioethology of the bee and the botanical characteristics.