The distribution of pollen-collecting bumble bees and honey bees among Trifolium repens and Trifolium hybridum
1997
Maend, M. | Martin A.-J. | Bender, A. (Estonian Agricultural Univ., Tartu (Estonia). Inst. of Plant Protection) | Kase, K. (Tartu Univ., Tartu (Estonia))
We studied the temporal and spatial distribution of pollen-collecting bumble bees and honey bees among two simultaneously flowering species: white clover and alsike clover during the flowering season. There were two experimental areas situated 3 km from each other. Within the fields, two transects with 10 square m plots were used. Counts were made four times per day and twice a week from June to August 9, 1995. Before every count the number of inflorescences was determined on twenty 20x20 cm quadrats on each plot. All bumble bees and honey bees were recorded. Trifolium hybridum was preferred both by bumble bees and honey bees. Consequently, the pollen of T.hybridum has greater attractiveness to pollinating bees compared to T. repens. The mechanism behind the competition between the clover species for pollination in this system includes competition through pollinators' preferences. This should be taken into consideration in the seed cultivation of these two species of Trifolium
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