Abstract
An olfactory bioassay procedure is described, and results from testing 28 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) clones for honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) olfactory compatibility are reported. Honey bee selection appeared to be based on quantity and quality of flower volatiles. When the honey bees were conditioned to one clone (“normal” alfalfa flower volatiles), bee selection indicated that alfalfa clones could be classified into three categories: compatible, neutral, and incompatible. The difference between compatible and neutral seemed to be based on lower quantities of volatiles produced by the neutral group; however, the one incompatible clone was discriminated against on the basis of olfactory quality. This bioassay procedure could be used as a tool for alfalfa breeders to select parent clones that are olfactorily compatible.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
