Nectar quality in open-pollinated, pol CMS hybrid, and dominant SI hybrid oilseed summer rape

Abstract

Nectar sugar composition and temporal patterns of nectar sugar production were examined in oilseed summer rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera (Metzg.)) from six open-pollinated, eight pol cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) hybrid and seven dominant self-incompatible (SI) hybrid cultivars at three field plot sites in Manitoba. The total sugar content of nectar samples was measured by the Dreywood anthrone reaction for total carbohydrate, and simple sugar composition was determined using an enzymatic bioanalysis for D-glucose, D-fructose and sucrose. Hybrid and open-pollinated cultivar flowers had similar sugar content. Mean total sugar content per flower also did not vary among hybrid breeding systems when compared within individual weeks of the bloom period or within daily sampling periods. However, for all cultivars, total nectar sugar content per flower was lower during the 08:00 and 11:00 h sampling periods and increased to maximum levels during the 14:00 and 16:00 h sampling periods. Significant differences in nectar sugar content were also found in relation to the bloom phenology of the cultivars. Cultivars produced the greatest amount of sugar per flower during the first 2 wk of the bloom period, then sugar production decreased in the third and fourth weeks. Nectar sugar ratios from all cultivars averaged approximately 1:1 glucose:fructose. Nectar glucose content among cultivars was similar but, among breeding systems, CMS cultivars tended to have lower amounts of glucose than SI or open-pollinated cultivars. Selecting for higher total sugar content may produce nectars more attractive to foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), thereby ensuring adequate pollination of hybrid parental lines and F1 hybrid plants. Selecting for lower nectar glucose will produce honeys with more desirable granulation characteristics. Overall, the production and quality of nectar sugar in oilseed rape hybrids are similar to those of open-pollinated cultivars, and are not likely to adversely affect the pollinating activities of honeybees or their potential for honey production. Key words: oilseed summer rape, Brassica napus, honeybees, Apis mellifera, nectar, simple sugars