西方蜜蜂和地熊蜂为紫花苜蓿授粉效果比较

Comparison of pollinating effects for the alfalfa between Apis mellifera L. and Bombus terrestris L.

【目的】为了解决紫花苜蓿传粉昆虫不足的问题,提高苜蓿种子产量。【方法】比较了西方蜜蜂Apis mellifera和地熊蜂Bombus terrestris采集规律及为苜蓿授粉的效果。【结果】发现两种蜂日工作时间和出巢温度没有显著差异,但采集行为不同,地熊蜂利用体重优势更容易打开龙骨瓣,访花频率显著高于意大利蜜蜂,单花访问时间短于意大利蜜蜂,二者授粉后结荚率及单株产量没有显著差异。蜂种、携粉回巢率、访花频率是影响苜蓿种子生产的主要因素。【结论】试验数据表明意大利蜜蜂和地熊蜂为苜蓿传粉效果都很好,但意大利蜜蜂饲养管理技术成熟,价格低廉,适合苜蓿制种及规模化生产中应用。

[Objectives] To solve the problem of insufficient pollinating insects for alfalfa and improve seed production. [Methods] The pollination of alfalfa by Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris was compared. [Results] There was no significant difference in daily working time and preferred foraging temperature of each species, but their foraging behavior differed significantly. Bombus terrestris were more likely to open the carina due to their greater body weight and made significantly more visits to flowers than Apis mellifera. However, they spent less time visiting individual flowers than Apis mellifera. There was no significant difference in fruiting rate and yield per plant after pollination by each species. Bee species, the rate of carrying pollen to nests and flower visiting frequency, are the main factors that affect alfalfa seed production. [Conclusion] Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris are both effective pollinators of alfalfa, but Apis mellifera is more suitable for large-scale alfalfa seed production because of the more established management technology available for this species and their relatively low cost.