Energetics of Nectar Production in some Apple Cultivars as a Predictor of Floral Choice by Honeybees
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Tropical Ecology
Volume
31
Publication Date
1-1-1990
First Page
116
Last Page
122
Abstract
Fifty four cultivars of apple were examined for their nectar section characteristics, nectar-sugar concentration, amount of sugar and energy in flower in relation to their attractiveness to honeybee, Apis cerana indica, foraging activity. Volume of nectar produced ranged from a minimum of 0.05 μI to a maximum of 0.680 μI flower .J day·1. Nectar sugar concentration ranged between 28-45% and amount of sugar between 0 .0189-0.2060 mg flower · I day Energy reward varied from a minimum of 0.317 joules to a maximum of 5.002 joules flower 1 day-1. These variations were found to be significantly and positively correlated with foraging populations of honey bees. The results suggest that cultivars with higher caloric rewards had a competitive edges over others in attracting foraging populations and consequently pollination.
Recommended Citation
Abrol, D. P., "Energetics of Nectar Production in some Apple Cultivars as a Predictor of Floral Choice by Honeybees" (1990). A. Paper 15.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/15