Stingless Bee-Nutmeg Plant (Myristica fragrans Houtt) Integration and Its Sustainability in West Halmahera Regency

Abstract

The integration of stingless bees and nutmeg trees, as well as its sustainability, has received limited
attention in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the characteristics of stingless bee
production and assess its sustainability in West Halmahera Regency. Meliponiculture was integrated
into two types of nutmeg gardens (A and B) based on different ecological characteristics, with each
consisting of 9 colonies. Garden B had more diverse vegetation than Garden A. Data were analyzed
using means and t-tests for productivity, i.e., colony growth, honey, pollen, and propolis production, and a SWOT analysis was conducted to develop sustainability strategies. The results showed that the average colony weight gain in Garden B was 85.56 ± 67.59 grams, higher than in Garden A (14.50 ± 80.40 grams). Based on the t-test results, colony growth in Garden A was not significantly different (P > 0.05), whereas in Garden B it was significantly different (P < 0.05). Honey production was lower in Garden A (247 g) than in Garden B (320 g). Garden B produced more pollen (638 grams) than Garden A (174 grams). Propolis production in Garden B, 133 grams, was much lower than in Garden A, 185 grams. Eight major strategies were identified for sustaining the stingless bee-nutmeg plant integration in West Halmahera.