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Effect of insect pollination on seed production in linseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

I. H. Williams ,
J. R. Simpkins  and
A. P. Martin
I. H. Williams
Affiliation:
AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
J. R. Simpkins
Affiliation:
AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
A. P. Martin
Affiliation:
AFRC Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, UK
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Summary

The effect of bee visits to the flowers on flower longevity and capsule, seed and oil production in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cv. Antares, was investigated in two very different growing seasons (1988 and 1989); plots caged to exclude insects, plots caged with a honeybee colony and plots uncaged and open-pollinated by honeybees and bumblebees were compared. The experiments were conducted at Rothamsted Experimental Station Farm in Hertfordshire.

Although honeybee visits to the flowers resulted in earlier petal fall, they did not increase capsule or seed production. It is concluded that the crop is self-fertile, self-pollinates well, and that inadequate pollination is not a factor limiting yield.

Type
Crops and Soils
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 117 , Issue 1 , August 1991 , pp. 75 - 79
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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References

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