Honey Bees–Potential pollinators in hybrid seed production of sunflower.
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Date
2012-04
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Abstract
A study was conducted to find out the role of honeybees on pollination, seed setting and seed
quality of hybrid sunflower. The foraging behavior of natural bee visitants was studied on the parental lines of
sunflower hybrid NDSH1 during the flowering period. Most predominant bees observed are Rock bees, Apis
dorsata, European bee, Apis mellifera, Indian bee, Apis cerana indica and Stingless bees, Trigona irridipenis.
Bee visitants are more on R line compared to A line. The seed setting percentage and seed yield were
significantly increased when the honeybees were supplemented to the open pollination. The yields were
drastically reduced when the crop was covered with insect proof net. In addition, increased seedling vigour,
germination%, field emergence, oil content and quality of seed was observed with the deployment of honey bees
coupled with supplemental hand pollination.
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Keywords
Sunflower, bee pollination, hybrid seed production, seed quality
Citation
Rajasri M, Kanakadurga K, Rani V Durga, Ch Anuradha. Honey Bees–Potential pollinators in hybrid seed production of sunflower. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology. 2012 Apr-Jun; 3(2): 216-221.