Yeilds and Cross-pollination of Soybeans As Affected by Honey Bees and Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees

Authors

Robert I. Abrams, Purdue University
C. Richard Edwards, Purdue University
Todd Harris, Purdue University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

American Bee Journal

Volume

118

Publication Date

8-1-1978

First Page

555

Last Page

556

Abstract

Honey bees, Apis mellifera L., and alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile pacifica (Panzer), were placed in fields of three commonly grown midwestern soybean varieties (‘Cutler 71’, ‘Bonus’, and ‘Calland’) to study whether these pollinating insects influenced soybean fields during the blooming period. Their populations steadily increased in strength and produced surplus honey. Alfalfa leafcutting bees seldom visited soybean blossoms and experienced almost a 60% reduction in populations while placed in the research fields.

Recommended Citation

Abrams, Robert I.; Edwards, C. Richard; and Harris, Todd, "Yeilds and Cross-pollination of Soybeans As Affected by Honey Bees and Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees" (1978). A. Paper 7.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/7