scholarly journals Characteristics of blooming, pollen production, and insect visitors of Polemonium caeruleum L. – a species with a potential to enrich pollinator-friendly urban habitats

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Bożek
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
White Flower ◽  
Blue Flower ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Average Mass ◽  
Se Poland ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
Flower Form ◽  
Insect Visitors

Mosaic structure of urban green areas is regarded as favorable for pollinating insects. Ornamental plants can provide food resources to pollinators and may thus be used to create pollinator-friendly habitats. However, detailed data on forage quantity and quality is required for the selection of the most valuable plant species. In this paper, blooming biology, pollen production, and insect visitors of two forms (blue-flower and white-flower) of <em>Polemonium caeruleum</em> were studied in the period of 2012–2014 in Lublin, SE Poland. Both forms bloomed from mid-May until mid-June. The average mass of pollen produced in a single flower was 1.57 mg and 1.39 mg in blue-flower and white-flower forms, respectively. On average, the blue-flower form produced 7.74 g of pollen/m<sup>2</sup>, while the white-flower form yielded 6.54 g of pollen/m<sup>2</sup>. Both forms attracted mainly honey bees and solitary bees. <em>Polemonium caeruleum</em> can be considered a good source of pollen for honey bees and wild insect pollinators and should be propagated in urban pollinator-friendly arrangements.

scholarly journals The Flowering, Pollen Production, and Insect Visitors in the Ornamental Shrub Potentilla Fruticosa L. (Rosaceae)

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bożena Denisow ◽  
Sebastian Antoń ◽  
Grażyna Szymczak
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Flowering Pattern ◽  
Potentilla Fruticosa ◽  
Full Flowering ◽  
Insect Visitation ◽  
Pollen Productivity ◽  
Ornamental Shrub ◽  
Insect Visitors

Summary Urban areas have a specific ecological environment and may help to sustain local pollinator populations by the cultivation of different ornamental plants with entomophilous flowers. This yearlong study examined the flowering pattern, abundance of flowering, pollen production as well as insect visitation of two cultivars of the ornamental shrub Potentilla fruticosa L. (‘Maanleys’ and ‘Blink’), grown in Lublin; a city in south-eastern Poland. P. fruticosa ‘Maanleys’ bloomed from the middle of May to the first decade of September and P. fruticosa ‘Blink’ from June until October. The pattern of diurnal flowering was similar for both cultivars and showed plasticity in the season. Flowers opened most intensively in the morning hours, and 80 - 90% of the daily installment of newly opened flowers expanded by 8.00 h GMT +2h. A delay in the peak of diurnal flowering was noted between the spring/summer and summer/autumn periods. The most intense blooming fell in the 2nd month of flowering. The mass of pollen produced per flower depended on both the number of anthers and the efficiency of archesporial tissues. The pollen output varied from 1.4 to 7.2 mg per 10 flowers (‘Maanleys’) and from 2.6 to 4.5 mg per 10 flowers (‘Blink’). The mass of pollen produced per individual shrub was substantially related to the abundance of blooming. The average estimated pollen productivity in the full flowering phase was low; 1 g (‘Maanleys’) and 1.5 g (‘Blink’) per 10 m2 of shrub crown. The flowers of Potentilla fruticosa attracted numerous insects, mainly solitary bees (33 - 43%), dipterans (31 - 42%), lepidopterans (4 - 14%), bumblebees (3 - 15%), and honey bees (3 - 4%). The Potentilla fruticosa ‘Maanleys’ and ‘Blink’ are propagated for specific ornamental arrangements and due to a long flowering period may be used in small urban courtyards for both decorative value and as a pollen delivering plants.

scholarly journals Nectar Production and Spectrum of Insect Visitors in Six Varieties of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in SE Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Bożek
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Sugar Yield ◽  
Sugar Concentration ◽  
Highbush Blueberry ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Se Poland ◽  
Nectar Sugar ◽  
Insect Visitors

Abstract The attractiveness of plants to pollinators depends strongly on flower rewards, especially nectar and pollen. Nectar mass, sugar concentration, and sugar mass are known to influence the spectrum and abundance of insect visitors. Respective data on nectar secretion in highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) under the climatic conditions of Poland are scarce. This study was conducted in 2002–2005 to assess flower abundance, nectar production, and insect visitors in six varieties of V. corymbosum in Niemce, SE Poland. Flower abundance ranged from 1.63 ± 0.64 (‘Darrow’) to 4.07 ± 0.95 in thousands of flowers per shrub (‘Northland’). Nectar mass, sugar concentration, and nectar sugar mass increased with flower age, peaking between the sixth and ninth day. Significant differences in nectar characteristics occurred between years and between varieties. ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Darrow’ produced the largest nectar mass (19.08 ± 7.09 and 16.60 ± 8.31 mg nectar per flower, respectively) and nectar sugar mass per flower (6.39 ± 1.52 and 5.76 ± 1.51 mg sugar per flower, respectively). The estimated sugar yield in the studied V. corymbosum varieties ranged from 9.4 ± 3.3 to 20.7 ± 3.8 g sugar per shrub (‘Croatan’ and ‘Bluecrop,’ respectively). Regarding insect visitors, only honey bees and bumble bees were observed. Honey bees comprised 81%–98% of the total number of observed insect visitors. Highbush blueberry, due to abundant blooming and high per-flower sugar yield, is thus a good source of nectar sugars for honey bees.

scholarly journals Nectar and pollen production in Arabis procurrens Waldst. & Kit. and Iberis sempervirens L. (Brassicaceae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Strzałkowska-Abramek ◽  
Karolina Tymoszuk ◽  
Jacek Jachuła ◽  
Małgorzata Bożek
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Flowering Pattern ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Spring Period ◽  
Insect Visitation ◽  
Insect Visitors

Ecological environment in urban areas is specific in many aspects. There are evidences that ornamental plants cultivated in local urban gardens may help in conservation of pollinators. In this study, the flowering pattern, the abundance of flowering, nectar and pollen production as well as insect visitation in <em>Arabis procurrens</em> Waldst. &amp; Kit. and <em>Iberis sempervirens</em> L. were investigated. The species were grown in the UMCS Botanical Garden in Lublin, southeastern Poland. <em>Arabis procurrens</em> bloomed from the middle of April until middle of May and <em>I. sempervirens</em> from the end of April until middle of June. In both species, most flowers opened in the morning hours (40–45% of total were opened by 8:00 h GMT + 2 h). The average sugar yield of <em>A. procurrens</em> was ca. 53% lower compared to <em>I. sempervirens</em> (mean = 1.08 g/m<sup>2</sup> and 2.32 g/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively). In both species, considerable differences in the amount of produced sugars were noted between years. The mass of pollen produced in the flowers of <em>A. procurrens</em> was approx. 35% lower compared to that of <em>I. sempervirens</em> (mean = 0.06 mg and 0.09 mg per flower, respectively). Pollen produced per unit area was correlated with the number of flowers. On average, the species produced 1.46 g (<em>A. procurrens</em>) and 2.54 g (<em>I. sempervirens</em>) of pollen per 1 m<sup>2</sup>. The flowers of <em>A. procurrens</em> attracted mainly dipterans (56.3% of total visitors), while <em>I. sempervirens</em> lured chiefly solitary bees (47.4% of total visitors), however in both cases, honeybees, bumblebees and lepidopterans were also recorded. The <em>A. procurrens</em> and <em>I. sempervirens</em> due to flowering in early spring period may be promoted for use in small gardens (rock or pot gardens) for both aesthetic value and as plants that support insect visitors in nectar and pollen rewards.

scholarly journals Early Floral Resources for Urban Bees From Ornamental Shrubs Ribes Aureum, Ribes Sanguineum and Staphylea Pinnata

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-320
Author(s):  
Marzena Masierowska
Keyword(s):  
Food Source ◽  
Floral Resources ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Flowering Pattern ◽  
Flower Visitors ◽  
Se Poland ◽  
Ornamental Shrubs ◽  
Ribes Sanguineum ◽  
First Time ◽  
Insect Visitors

AbstractThis research aims to assess ornamental shrubs Ribes aureum, R. sanguineum and Staphylea pinnata as an early food source for urban bees. In a two-year study, the abundance and flowering pattern, nectar and pollen production, and spectrum of urban insect visitors were investigated in Lublin, SE Poland. The apiarian value of S. pinnata was studied for the first time. The studied species exhibited abundant and extended flowering, skewed inflorescence flowering pattern, and persistent flowers and inflorescences. They bloomed from late March to late May and could be considered as valuable early foraging resources for urban bees, despite the substantial differences between the species. The highest mean sugar yield and pollen yield · plant−1 (92.9 g and 44.0 g, respectively) was estimated for S. pinnata whereas the lowest ones were found in R. sanguineum (4.3 g and 1.8 g, respectively). Hymenopterans were the principal flower visitors in the studied species accounting for more than 79% of all visits.

scholarly journals Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) Crop Performance, Insect Pollinators, and Pollen Dispersal in the Northeastern US

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Rizzitello ◽  
Chuan-Jie Zhang ◽  
Carol Auer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Pollen Dispersal ◽  
Camelina Sativa ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Oilseed Crop ◽  
Crop Failure ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Insect Visitation ◽  
Pollinating Insects

AbstractCamelina sativa (camelina) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae that has been genetically engineered for the production of biofuels, dietary supplements, and other industrial compounds. Cultivation in North America is both recent and limited, so there are gaps in knowledge regarding yield, weed competition, and pollen-mediated gene flow. For these experiments, camelina ‘SO-40’ was grown for three years without weed control. Spring-sown camelina was harvested at 80-88 days with ∼1200 growing degree days (GDD) with yields of 425-508 kg/hectare. Camelina yields were the same with or without weeds, showing competitive ability in low-management conditions. Crop failure in 2015 was associated with delayed rainfall and above-average temperatures after seeding. Camelina flowers attracted pollinating insects from the Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera. Hymenoptera included honey bees (Apis melifera), mining bees (Andrenidae), sweat bees (Halictidae), bumble bees (Bombus spp.) and leaf cutter bees (Megachilidae). Insect visitation on camelina flowers was associated with modest increases in seed yield. Honey bees comprised 28-33% of all pollinators and were shown to carry camelina pollen on their legs. Air sampling showed that wind-blown pollen was present at low concentrations at 9 m beyond the edges of the field. These experiments demonstrated for the first time that camelina pollen dispersal could occur through honey bees or wind, although bee activity would likely be more significant for long-distance gene flow.

scholarly journals Observations of Phαceliα tαnαcetifoliα as a Food Plant for Honey Bees and other insects

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Thrasyvoulou ◽  
Basilis Tsirakoglou
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Food Plant ◽  
Bumble Bee ◽  
Solitary Bee ◽  
Seasonal Differences ◽  
Insect Visitors ◽  
Spring Maximum ◽  
Phacelia Tanacetifolia

Three consecutive sowings of Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham (Hydrophyllaceae) were examined for plant growth and attractiveness to bees and other insect-visitors over a three years’ study. Plants that were sown in March flowered uniformly for periods of 24 to 40 days, while those sown in June and July had a non-uniform anthesis that was impossible to estimate. Plants sown in early August, remained vegetative throughout winter and flowered the following spring. Maximum visits of honey bees were observed between 10:00 h and 17:00 h. Most honey bees (>70%) collected nectar. Seasonal differences in the ratio nectar/pollen gatherers were noted. Two species of bumble bee (B. terrestris and B. lucorum) and 9 species of solitary bee visited Phacelia.

scholarly journals Honey bee mortalities caused by direct and indirect poisoning in Hungary

2017 ◽  
pp. 101-107
Author(s):  
Marianna Takács ◽  
János Oláh
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Agricultural Society ◽  
Chemical Residues ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
The Times

Bee poisoning related top lant production shows an increasing tendency. The poisoning of honey bees most of the times is caused by neonikotinoids and insecticides. The bee pasture has imparied because of the too high bee-density,therefore the beekeepers had to locate their colonies near to the farmland. The pollinating insects experience dimmesurable damages because the ignorance of the agricultural society and the lack of communication. In cases of bee poisoning sometimes it can be intentional. The samples of direct bee-destruction show higher dose of chemical residues than the amount of which they can get during the pollinating activity. In our study we also demonstrate the direct bee poisoning which is caused by endosulfan and dichlorvos.

scholarly journals Potential Honey Bee Plants of Egypt

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.F. Abou-Shaara
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Flowering Time ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Potential Benefit ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Specific Region ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractThere are various plants with potential feeding importance to honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies as source of pollen, nectar or both. Selection of suitable regions for apiaries mainly depends on the availability of honey bee plants in the apiary region. Identifying honey bee plants in specific region is very essential for honey and pollen production from honey bee colonies. Lacking the information about the beneficial plants for honey bees including; plant name, flowering time and potential benefit to honey bee colonies could be considered as a limitation for beekeeping development. So far honey bee plants are not well studied in Egypt. This review paper presents potential honey bee plants in Egypt using the available publications. The studies on honey bee plants in Egypt were also reviewed. This work can be considered as a guide for beekeepers and researchers. Moreover, the presented plants here can be used in comparing honey bee plants of Egypt with other countries to get a better understanding of honey bee flora. More detailed investigations on honey bee plants are strongly required to be done at all Egyptian Governorates

The mode of pollination in strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum)

1963 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
FHW Morley
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Small Proportion ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Dense Population ◽  
Cross Pollination ◽  
Commercial Seed ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
Seed Yields

A technique for emasculation and crossing strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum) is described. Contrary to reports in the literature this species is predominant4 self-incompatible. A small proportion of plants may set a few seeds on selfing. If seed-set is to be maximal a dense population of pollinating insects such as honey bees is necessary. Commercial seed yields may be greatly improved steps are taken to assure cross pollination.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Selected Ornamental Asteraceae as a Pollen Source for Urban Bees

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Wróblewska ◽  
Ernest Stawiarz ◽  
Marzena Masierowska
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Floral Resources ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Single Plant ◽  
Calendula Officinalis ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Se Poland ◽  
Urban Conditions

Abstract Offering more floral resources for urban bees can be achieved by growing ornamental bee plants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate selected Asteraceae (Calendula officinalis ‘Persimmon Beauty’ and ‘Santana’, Centaurea macrocephala, Cosmos sulphureus, Dahlia pinnata, Tagetes patula, Tithonia rotundifolia, and Zinnia elegans) as pollen sources for pollinators. Under urban conditions in Lublin, SE Poland, the investigated plants flowered from late June to the end of October. The mass of pollen produced in florets and capitula was found to be species-related. The highest pollen amounts per 10 florets (10.1 mg) as well as per capitulum (249.7 mg) were found for C. macrocephala. The mass of pollen yielded by a single plant depended on both the pollen mass delivered per disk florets and the proportion of disk florets in capitulum, and the flowering abundance of the plants. A single plant of D. pinnata and a single plant of T. rotundifolia each produced the largest pollen mass. Mean pollen yield per 1m2 of a plot ranged from 6.2 g (Z. elegans) to 60.7 g (D. pinnata). Pollen grains are tricolporate, with echinate exine, medium or small in size. They can be categorised as oblatespherical, spherical, and prolatespherical. The principal visitors to C. macrocephala, C. sulphureus, and C. officinalis were honey bees, whereas bumble bees dominated on T. rotundifolia and D. pinnata. A magnet plant for butterflies was Z. elegans. Among the investigated species, D. pinnata, C. macrocephala, and T. rotundifolia were found to be the most valuable sources of pollen flow for managed and wild bees.

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