ISHS Acta Horticulturae 288: VI International Symposium on Pollination
DIFFERENCE IN POTENTIAL ATTRACTIVENESS TO BEES OF SEVENTEEN SOUTH AFRICAN SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS) CULTIVARS |
| Authors: | A.P. du Toit, L.A. Coetzer |
| Abstract:
The sugar value, determined by nectar volume and percentage sugar solids in the nectar, of seventeen South African sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars was significantly different. Significant differences in corolla length were also measured between cultivars, preventing honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier) reaching all the nectar in certain cultivars. Nectar was inaccessible to short-tongued bees (Halictidae). Pigmentation of the corolla tube did not differ significantly. Although pigmentation of the stigma did differ significantly, it was considered a possible discriminating factor in one cultivar only. | |
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