Environmental Entomology · 1986 · 39 citations · 0 references
Life SciencesEntomologyPlant SciencesInsect BehaviorInsect EcologyPollination EcologyPlant-pollinator InteractionsPollen BiologyPollen ProductionPollen ViabilityPollination BiologyPollinator BehaviorCross-pollination BiologyFruit Set EfficiencyFruit Set InitiationHoney Bee PollinationPollen Transfer DynamicsPollen Transfer EfficiencyPollen Viability TestingPollination Interactions
The ability of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., to transfer pollen within the hive through contact with nestmates was tested. In almost all cases, bees acquired pollen from nestmate contacts. Pollen viability was tested by pollinating self-incompatible apple blossoms with treated bees. The contribution of in-hive pollen transfer to cross-pollination and fruit set in apple is discussed.