Dynamics and sugar composition of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) nectar

Abstract

SummaryNectar dynamics and sugar composition in several sweet pepper commercial cultivars of the “bell” type were studied during two years. Nectar volume per day was always small, depending on the cultivar and the time of collection, and never attained more than 10 μl per flower. Differences in nectar production and composition were found between cultivars and times of collection. One of the studied cultivars produced no nectar until the third month after blooming. Nectar volume decreased with flower age, being greater on the first day of floral anthesis, declining until the third day when it almost disappeared. Nectar from all cultivars was hexose-dominated (glucose and fructose), although sucrose was identified in most samples. The sucrose to hexoses ratio was very variable, not only between cultivars, but also within the same cultivar. That ratio varied among samples of the same cultivars, depending on the time of collection. The importance of nectar volume and sugar composition in sweet pepper is discussed from the point of view of pollinators’ commercial application.