Evaluation of the possibilities of use of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) as a bee plant

Chia known as Salvia hispanica L. is an annual plant from Lamiaceae family. The value of chia seeds have increased for its nutritious and functional feature all around the world. This crop has become a trend because of its rich nutritious. Researching the possibility to culture Chia plant in our region has been carried out in Akdeniz University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops between 2018 and 2019. This study aims to determine the most suitable period for the vegetation period and to see if it can be a nectar source for the bees in the flowering stage by growing 3 different Chia plants (Argentina, China and Paraguay origin) in different sowing dates. The experiment was carried out in 3 replications, with the sowing times in the main plot and origins in the sub plots, according to the split plots trial design in randomized complete block design. In the experiment plant height, fresh weight, number of main branches, number of lateral branches, first branch height, number of nodes, flower length, flower number, beginning of flowering, duration of flowering, thousand grain weight, seed yield per plant have been examined. As a result of the experiment that has been carried out in Antalya; there are many significant differences between sowing dates in many characters although differences between origins and sowing date origin interaction are insignificant. The flowering time of the Chia plant occurs in the autumn season and bees get attract to the flowers of Chia plant during this time. Due to the absence of the flowery plants during this time, Chia plant can be considered as a bee plant.