Variation between tetraploid red clover plants in corolla tube length and height of nectar

Abstract

SummaryCrosses between eelworm-resistant tetraploid red clover plants varied significantly in corolla tube length and in the distance between the top of the nectar and mouth of the corolla tube. Variability between plants in height of nectar above the base of the corolla was positively correlated with corolla tube length but a significant residual variance in nectar height was independent of corolla tube length.Tetraploids had higher nectar but longer corolla tubes and greater distances for bees to reach than those in related diploids which were previously reported.The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the improvement by breeding of the attractiveness of tetraploid red clover to honey-bees.