Observations on the pollination of Montgomery red clover (Trifolium pratenseL.)

Abstract

Abstract Over two seasons, observations were made on the role of the honey bee and the bumble bee in the pollination of Montgomery red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in the South Canterbury, Mackenzie Country, North Otago, and South Otago districts of New Zealand. Conclusions were as follows:- 1. Honey bees and bumble bees were the only insects of importance as pollinators. 2. For most crops studied honey bees appeared to be more important than bumble bees. 3. The short-tongued bumble bee (Bombus terrestris L.) was of much less value as a pollinator than were long-tongued bumble bees or honey bees. 4. Crops were pollinated as effectively by honey bees as by the two main species of long-tongued bumble bees. 5. In general, very low honey bee densities, expressed as bees per 10,000 flowers, were associated with heavy competition from other nectar sources. 6. Expressed as bees per 10,000 flowers, average concentrations of both honey bees and long-tongued bumble bees were significantly higher for crops with po...