Research article    |    Open Access
Helia 2008, Vol. 31(48) 1-16

VISIT PATH PATTERN OF THE HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.) ON THE SUNFLOWER CAPITULUM -CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LOCATION OF SEEDLESS AND INCOMPLETELY DEVELOPED FRUITS

Hernández, L.F.

pp. 1 - 16   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/HEL0848001H

Publish Date: June 01, 2008  |   Single/Total View: 1/1   |   Single/Total Download: 1/1


Abstract

The occurrence of fruits with absent or poorly developed embryo, also defined as seedless or incompletely developed fruits (IDF), significantly reduces the sunflower yield. Failures in pollination, fertilization and physiolog ical or morphological defects in the ovary and embryo, either post-pollination or post-fertilization genotype- and/or ambient-induced, are most common rea sons for the development of this type of fruits. A detailed study of the visit path pattern of diurnal pollinators in the crop, mainly honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), showed that there was a significant negative correlation (r2=-0.61; p < 0.05) between the areas covered by foraging paths (ACP), with the total IDF counted in the capitulum. Almost a complete limitation of insect visitation (0-30% ACP) resulted in poor seed set and IDF percentage ranging from 10 to 17%. Partial limitation of the insect visitation (60 to 90% ACP) diminished the number of IDF to 5 to 9%. Its is concluded that as much as 30% or more of the capitulum’s area must be covered by bee visits to minimize the development of IDF.

Keywords: Apis mellifera, foraging, Helianthus annuus, pollen, seed set, sunflower


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Hernández, , & L.F., (2008).

VISIT PATH PATTERN OF THE HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.) ON THE SUNFLOWER CAPITULUM -CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LOCATION OF SEEDLESS AND INCOMPLETELY DEVELOPED FRUITS

. Helia, 31(48), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.2298/HEL0848001H

Harvard
Hernández, and L.F., (2008).

VISIT PATH PATTERN OF THE HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.) ON THE SUNFLOWER CAPITULUM -CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LOCATION OF SEEDLESS AND INCOMPLETELY DEVELOPED FRUITS

. Helia, 31(48), pp. 1-16.

Chicago 16th edition
Hernández, and L.F. (2008). "

VISIT PATH PATTERN OF THE HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.) ON THE SUNFLOWER CAPITULUM -CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LOCATION OF SEEDLESS AND INCOMPLETELY DEVELOPED FRUITS

". Helia 31 (48):1-16. https://doi.org/10.2298/HEL0848001H