Abstract
ABSTRACT - We investigated the foraging pattern of A. mellifera in five commercial types of melon (Yellow, Cantaloupe, Charentais, Galia and Piel de sapo) grown side by side. We also observed if this bee species can discriminate between flowers of the five melon types and if it shows preference for flowers of any of them. Results showed that the bees visit flowers of all types of melon throughout the day collecting pollen and nectar in similar foraging patterns. However, they visited significantly (p<0.05) more flowers of the Cantaloupe type followed by the types Piel de sapo and Yellow, while the melons type Galia and Charentais were the least visited by the bees. This behavior has implications for the use of A. mellifera for melon pollination, requiring that the bees be managed according to the type of melon cultivated. It also highlights the need to find out what makes flowers of some melon types to be more visited than others in order to select within the less visited types of melon for cultivars more attractive to the bees.
Highlights
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a crop of great importance in the global scenario, being the third most cultivated curcubit in the world (FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, 2018)
The number of visits was gradually reduced until late afternoon (Figure 1), and there were no bee visits to the flowers after 4 p.m
The pattern of foraging activity concentrated in the morning is common to several studies, but the peak hours of bee visitation to the flowers vary
Summary
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a crop of great importance in the global scenario, being the third most cultivated curcubit in the world (FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, 2018). It is a species essentially dependent on biotic pollination for fruit production, making it necessary for pollinating agents to transfer pollen grains from anthers to stigmas. A number of bee species have been reported visiting melon flowers in various parts of the world (FREE, 1993; GÓMEZ et al, 2016; KIILL et al, 2014; KOUONON et al, 2009; TSCHOEKE et al, 2015). To ensure high fruit yield, honeybee colonies are introduced to melon crops (FREE, 1993)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
