earticle

영어

Robinia pseudoacasia (Black locust) was introduced to South Korea from North America in the 19th Century to restore degraded forests. It has been planted in many areas of Korea to produce woods, fiber, honey and forage. Especially, black locust has been extensively used for honey production. Black locust is a major honey plant and contributes to 70% of total honey production in Korea. The blooming period of black locust is about 10days and the tree usually produces honey for about a month from early May in the southern area to early June in the northern area of the demilitarized zone in Republic of Korea. In recent years, however, climate change has quite an effect on the amount of honey collection and the timing of blooming may shift in a changing climate. The difference of flowering time and flowering period was reduced due to climate change and it also reduces honey production. In this study, 54 study sites were selected on the basis of 4 regions including southern areas, north central area, midwest area and Seoul city to investigate flowering time and blooming period of black locust from 2007 to 2015. In 2008, regional differences of flowering time were 32 days. But the difference was 23 days in 2011 and only 16 days in 2015. It appeared that the blooming period was shortened by climate change in spring. Our results lead to the prediction that climate warming during the winter/early spring reduces flowering period and honey production.