Observations on the pollination of chou moellier (Brassica oleraceaL.)

Abstract

Abstract The role of the honey bee and bumble bee as pollinators of chou moellier (Brassica oleracea L) was studied in North Otago, New Zealand, over four seasons. Honey bees and bumble bees appeared to be the only insects of importance as pollinators, although some self-pollination did occur. Honey bees were much more important than bumble bees, which were few or absent during spring flowering. Compared with plants in the surrounding crop, those caged to exclude honey bees and bumble bees had approximately one-fifth fewer flowers, one-third fewer seeds per pod, and half the weight of seed per plant.