ISHS Acta Horticulturae 288: VI International Symposium on Pollination
POLLINATION OF SWEET PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) WITH THE SOLITARY BEE OSMIA CORNIFRONS (RADOSZKOWSKI) |
| Authors: | K. Kristjansson, K. Rasmussen |
| Abstract:
The possibilities of using Osmia cornifrons (Radoszkowski) as a pollinator of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was studied under glasshouse conditions, and the effect of bee-pollination was compared with natural self-pollination and vibration of the plants with an "electric bee". Osmia cornifrons visited the flowers and pollinated them successfully, but was not able to increase its population. Average number of constructed cells/nest was low and mortality of immature stages very high. Fruit yield from bee-pollinated plants was significantly higher early in the season. As the season progressed, the difference in fruit yield between the test-groups degcreased gradually. The bee-pollinated plants set more seeds/fruit, thus the fruits were of better quality and had a higher weight. There was no significant difference in weight and quality of harvested fruits between vibrated and natural self-pollinated plants. Present studies indicates that bee-pollination, especially early in the season, will result in better fruit yield. Management of bees for fruit production in sweet pepper is therefore highly recommended. The results of present studies also indicates that Osmia cornifrons can be developed into an effective pollinator of sweet pepper under glasshouse conditions. | |
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