The Effects of Honeybees (<i>Apis Mellifera</i>L.) and Leafcutter Bees (<i>Megachile Rotundata</i>F.) on Out-Crossing Between Different Cultivars of Beans (<i>Vicia Faba</i>L.) in Caged Plots

Abstract

SummaryThe effectiveness of honeybees and leafcutter bees in cross pollination between two cultivars of faba beans within cages was assessed. Both honeybee and leafcutter bee positive-foragers moved laterally between rows more often than along rows. The bees moved to rows with different cultivars more frequently that to rows with the same cultivar. However, the direction of movement and cultivar preference did not differ significantly between the two species of bees.Honeybees foraged in greater numbers, and on more flowers per bee than did leafcutter bees. The amount of movement also varied with the cultivars that were used. Few bees moved between the cultivars that differed greatly in appearance and growth habit (e.g. Aladin and 15025). The amount of movement between the cultivars Aladin and CM4 was much higher, ranging from 27 to 43 percent in honeybees and 22 percent in leafcutter bees. Honeybees were more effective than leafcutter bees as pollinators of faba beans in caged plots.