<b>The role of the European honeybee<i>(Apis mellifera</i>L.) in avocado pollination</b>

Abstract

AbstractPollination of avocado, Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) was investigated. A wide array of insects was involved in pollinating avocado in orchards, with the European honeybee, Apis mellifera L., playing a leading role. Introduction of beehives during flowering significantly improved fruit set. A density of two hives per ha was sufficient to improve the yield but three hives per ha significantly increased the mean fruit weight of experimental trees.