Effect of Apis mellifera on community composition of local pollinator bees and their pollination network in Qinling Mountains and surrounding areas

The Qinling Mountains, known for their rich vegetation and diverse pollinating insects, have seen a significant decline in bee species richness and abundance over recent decades, largely due to the introduction and spread of Apis mellifera. This decline has caused cascading effects on the region's community structure and ecosystem stability. To improve the protection of native bees in the natural and agricultural landscape of the Qinling Mountains and its surrounding areas, we investigated 33 sampling sites within three habitats: forest, forest-agriculture ecotones, and farmland. Using a generalized linear mixing model, t-test, and other data analysis methods, we explored the impact of Apis mellifera on local pollinator bee richness, abundance, and the pollination network in different habitats in these regional areas. The results show that(1)Apis mellifera significantly negatively affects the abundance and richness of wild pollinator bees,while Apis cerana abundance is also affected by beekeeping conditions.(2)There are significant negative effects of Apis mellifera on the community structure of pollinator bees in the Qinling Mountains and its surrounding areas: the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Pielou evenness index, and Margalef richness index of bee communities at sites with Apis mellifera influence were significantly lower than those at sites without Apis mellifera influence.(3)The underlying driver of this effect is the monopolization of flowering resources by Apis mellifera. This species tends to visit flowering plants with large nectar sources, which constitute a significant portion of the local plant community. By maintaining a dominant role in the bee-plant pollination network, Apis mellifera competitively displaces native pollinator bees, reducing their access to floral resources. This ultimately leads to a reduction in local bee-plant interactions, decreasing the complexity and stability of the pollination network. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect native pollinator species and maintain the ecological balance in the Qinling Mountains.

Maximizing Resource Efficiency in Cloud Data Centers through Knowledge-Based Flower Pollination Algorithm (KB-FPA)

Cloud computing is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field,where the demand for resources fluctuates continuously.This paper delves into the imperative need for adaptability in the allocation of resources to applications and services within cloud computing environments.The motivation stems from the pressing issue of accommodating fluctuating levels of user demand efficiently.By adhering to the proposed resource allocation method,we aim to achieve a substantial reduction in energy consumption.This reduction hinges on the precise and efficient allocation of resources to the tasks that require those most,aligning with the broader goal of sustainable and eco-friendly cloud computing systems.To enhance the resource allocation process,we introduce a novel knowledge-based optimization algorithm.In this study,we rigorously evaluate its efficacy by comparing it to existing algorithms,including the Flower Pollination Algorithm(FPA),Spark Lion Whale Optimization(SLWO),and Firefly Algo-rithm.Our findings reveal that our proposed algorithm,Knowledge Based Flower Pollination Algorithm(KB-FPA),consistently outperforms these conventional methods in both resource allocation efficiency and energy consumption reduction.This paper underscores the profound significance of resource allocation in the realm of cloud computing.By addressing the critical issue of adaptability and energy efficiency,it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future in cloud computing systems.Our contribution to the field lies in the introduction of a new resource allocation strategy,offering the potential for significantly improved efficiency and sustainability within cloud computing infrastructures.

The Mechanism of Pollination in Platycladus orientalis and Thuja occidentalis (Cupressaceae)

The pollination mechanisms of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco and Thuja occidentalis L. seem to be of the same type, as based on the morphological study of the change in pollination drop, during the process of pollination. Entering the pollination drop, the pollen may alter the surface of the drop or reduce the secretion of the ovule with concomitant increase of evaporation. It has been further noticed that the dynamiechange of the drop withdrawal rate was closely associated with the different kinds of pollen received. It seemsthat the withdrawal of the pollination drop may be induced by pollen from plants consanguineous to P. orientalis, almost as effective as from pollen of P. orientalis itself and comparatively more effective than the foreignpollen received from distant plant species. The drop withdrawal could he mainly induced by the pollen that causes the reduction of ovule secretion.

Ovule Development, Formation of Pollination Drop and Pollination Process in Taxus chinensis (Taxaceae)

Pollen morphology and hydration, ovule development, formation of pollination drop and the pollination process of Taxus chinensis (Pilg.) Rehd were investigated in detail. The results showed that mature pollen was one_celled, irregular in shape, nonsaccate, and the surface was covered with orbicules. When pollen became hydrated, the intine swelled and the exine bursted. The exine usually remained on the surface of water or on the pollination drop all the time, while the rest portion of the pollen sank into the drop of water or the pollination drop. In the late August, the down_curved female buds could be observed in the field trees. The downturning of the female buds was an characteristic feature discriminating from the vegetative buds. At this stage ovular primordium was present in the female bud with a dome_shaped nucellar primordium encircled by a rudimentary integument. The integument grew fast and overgrew the nucellus. In the March of the following year, the ovule formed a micropylar canal about 1?000 μm in length, 200-300 μm in width. Except the micropyle, the other part of the ovule was enclosed by 20-25 scales. During the early stage of the ovule development, the nucellar surface clearly showed cell configuration; but a membrane_like structure covering the nucellar apex appeared in the late stage of the ovule development, and subsequently broke down with nucellar cell disintegration before pollen shedding. The disintegrated cell products might partake in the formation of the pollination drop. Before and during pollination, the nucellar cells contained abundant mitochondria, endospermic reticulum and dictysomes with vesicles; the plasma membrane was undulated and there was no accumulation of electron_dense substances in the pericytoplasm. Pollination drops usually occurred at night, and disappeared by noon in the field tree. 15 days before pollination, the in vitro ovules from the field trees already had the capability of producing pollination drops, which could last for 4-5 days indoors. However, after these drops received pollen, they did not withdraw noticeably compared with the unpollinated ones. The retraction of the pollination drop was presumed not to be a nonmetabolic outcome but rather a result of evaporation.

Pollination Biology of Ficus hispida in the Tropical Rainforests of Xishuangbanna, China

Ficus hispida L. (Moraceae) is a remarkable species in the ecosystem of tropical rainforests in Xishuangbanna, China. The figs and fig_pollination wasps (Chalcidoidae: Agaonidae) are highly co_evolved mutualists that depend completely on each other for propagating descendants. Pollination of all fig species is done by fig wasps; their unique symbiotic associates, the fig wasps, cannot develop in anywhere except in the fig syconia. The present paper reports on the biology and flowering phenology of F. hispida , as well as the propagation character and pollination behavior of the fig wasps (Ceratosolen solmsi marchali Mayr) based on our observations in the rainforests of Xishuangbanna, southern Yunnan of China. F. hispida is a dioecious tree that annually blossoms and bears fruits 6-8 times, with four to five fruit_bearing peaks. The male trees produce pollen and provide fig wasps with reproductive havens, while the female trees produce fig seeds after pollination by the female wasps. Pollen of F. hispida cannot escape from the dehiscent anthers until they are disturbed by fig wasps. The female wasps open the anthers and collect pollen with their antennal scrapes, mandibles and legs, and then carry pollen to the female receptive syconia where fertilization takes place. Meanwhile, some of the female wasps lay eggs in the male receptive syconia. It takes about 3-67 min to search for the receptive syconia for pollination, and 15-23 h to enter the female receptive syconia. The number of female wasps entering a syconium has close relation with the impregnation and seed_bearing rate of female flowers, as well as the oviposition and reproduction rate of the fig wasps themselves. F. hispida is endowed with a relatively high level of seed bearing (54.1%-82.5%, average 73.8 %). The wasp oviposition rate on the male flowers is between 72.3% and 93.8% with a mean of 84.4%.

A Preliminary Study on Pollination Biology of an Endangered Orchid, Changnienia amoena, in Shennongjia

Changnienia amoena Chien is a monotypic species and endemic to China, and was listed on the Chinese Red Book in 1992. The species was once abundant but has become rare and endangered in recent years because of the habitat fragmentation and unduly commercial collections. Previous observation showed that this species has very low and even no fruit set, and the pollinators are not observed before this report. The present observation was conducted at the Shennongjia, Hubei Province during the spring of 2002. The results showed that Bombus (Diversobombus) trifasciatus Smith, B. imitator Pittion and one species of Apis visited the flowers of the orchid, but only B. tritasciatus could carry pollinaria on its body and was the legitimate pollinators of C amoena. During 113 h of observation, only nine visitations were recorded. The bumblebees mainly appeared during 12:00-15:00 during the day. Bumblebees stayed in a flower only a few seconds and never more than ten seconds. The flowers would persist in fresh for about three weeks when they were not pollinated, but 3 or 4 d after pollinated, the pollinated flowers underwent a series of color and morphological changes including stalk elongation and ovary swelling. Therefore, stalk elongation can be considered an index of fruits set. Artificial pollination indicated that C amoena is a highly self-compatible and outcrossing species, but dependent on pollinators for fruit set. Based on the field observations, we concluded that pollination system of C amoena is deceptive. The fruit set in nature is not very low (26.98% on average) compared to other deceptive orchids, which may be related to small population sizes. The number of pollinia removal is much higher than that of fruit set, indicating that there are some degrees of pollinia wasting in C amoena.

Expression of Ethylene Biosynthetic Genes Regulated by Pollination associated Factors in Doritaenopsis hybrida Flowers

Pollination of flowers initiates postpollination development in orchid (Doritaenopsis hybrida Hort.) flowers, including perianth senescence, stigma closure, and ovary development. Because ethylene is thought to play a key role in coordinating these developmental changes, the authors studied the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of genes encoding 1 aminocyclopropane 1 carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase following pollination associated factor treatments in orchid flowers. Both ACC synthase and ACC oxidase mRNA accumulation in the various parts of the flowers is induced by auxin, and ethylene, but not by emasculation. The patterns of both ACC synthase and ACC oxidase mRNA accumulation are similar in all floral organs following auxin and ethylene treatments. Further, in situ hybridization analysis indicates that the ACC oxidase mRNA is localized in epidermal and parenchyma cells of the stigma after auxin and ethylene treatments. The putative roles of auxin, ethylene and emasculation are discussed in terms of the regulation of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase gene expression in flowers.

Pollination Compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L.Varieties

[Objective] The aim was to research pol ination compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Method] Self-fertilization and reciprocal cross fertilization tests were conducted among the Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Result] Ningqi No.3 was of self-incompatibility and the self-fertilization fruit set ratio was only 1.33%; the self-compatibility of Ningqi No.2 was only 31.74%; the rest kept self-compatibility higher than 50%. The six varieties al showed better compatibility in general, espe-cial y for Ningqi No.3, whose fruit set ratio and weight of single fruit can be im-proved once a suitable pol inizer is found. [Conclusion] The research providers refer-ences for pol inizer-trees in production.

Effects of Synchronous Pollination on Growth of Maize Kernels at the Tip of Ear

Under natural pollination （NP）, early-fertilized ovaries at the base of ear promote kernel abortion of late-fertilized ovades from the tip in maize （Zea mays L.）. Synchronous pollination （SP） improves maize kernel set, but the physiological masons behind this response are yet unclear. We e^amined maize kernel growth at the tip of ear subjected to NP or SP with different ~.ant density of 6 plants/rr~ or 9 plants/n~. Synchronous pollination of ears baged before silking was obtained by hand pollination on 3 days after silking （DAS） and samples were taken from natural and hand-pollinated ears on 8, 13, 18, and 23 DAS. At each sampling date, kemel fresh weight, volume and dry weight at the tip of ear were all higher for maize grown under SP than NP, and the contents of soluble sugar, sucrose, starch, nitro- gen and the ratios of soluble sugar to nitrogen （C/N） in kernel at the tip of ear were all higher too for maize grown under SP than NP.

Study on Spontaneous Self-pollination Mechanism of Asarum sieboldii

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate spontaneous self- pollination mechanism of Asarum sieboldii. [Methed] Through field observation and manual controlling test under the cultivated condition, the whole flowering process of Asarum sieboldii belonging to Asarum subgenus Heterotropa was thoroughly ob- served to investigate its pollination mechanism. [Result] Asarum sieboldii is a kind of species dominated by spontaneous self-pollination. Its female flower became mature firstly, and the duration of single flower ranged from 3 to 4 d. The first day was fe- male phase duration, and the stigmas could receive foreign pollen, while stamen fila- ments bent down towards the base of calyx tube with 90°, and anther had no crack. During the following 2 days, two cycles of stamens erected subsequently, while an- thers became dehiscent and naturally contacted with stigma at the same time, so spontaneous self-pollination was finished. Artificial self-pollination and out-crossing test had proved that the out-crossing of Asarum sieboldii were all fertile with seed setting rate of 100%. Emasculation by bagging test had suggested that Asarum sieboldii had no parthenocarpy and apomixes. [Conclusion] Asarum sieboldii belongs to sub- genus Heterotropa, but its pollination mechanism is similar to that of subgenus Asarum.

Effects of Supplementary Pollination by Single-rotor Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Hybrid Rice Seed Production

In 2012-2015, under the conditions of different natural wind speeds, the single-rotor agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle was used for the supplementary pollination during seed production of 10 hybrid combinations with big parental row ratios in the hybrid rice seed production bases of Hunan, Hainan and Guangdong Province, and the pollination effects were studied through the investigation of pollen density in the field, outcrossing seeding rate of female parent and seed production yield. The results showed that under the parental row ratio of 6：（40-60）, the seed setting rate and yields of the supplementary pollination by single-rotor agricultural UAV could reach and even higher than those of artificial pollination, indicating the single-rotor agricultural UAV could be used in supplementary pollination for hybdd rice seed production, which could promote the whole-process mechanization of seed production.

Embryological Studies on In Vitro Pollination in Rice

In. vitro pollination and its embryological studies were carried out in two japonica cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.), 'Chunjiang 05' and '95046'. N-6 basic medium supplemented with different exogenous hormones was used for ovary culture after in vitro pollination. The main results were as follows: (1) both cultivars were induced to set kernels after in vitro pollination. The frequency of seedset was 52.1%, including 28.4% normal embryo development, 2.2% abnormal embryo development and 21.5% callus formation. (2) The processes of embryo and endosperm development after in vitro pollination were basically as normal as those in vivo, except there was some retardation in the first division of zygotes and primary endosperm nuclei as well as in their subsequent development. However, both kernels and plantlets could be produced finally. (3) A few abnormal embryos were observed, for instance, proembryos with elongated suspensor and vacuolated proembryos. (4) Two types of calli in the cultured ovaries appeared, namely, the compact callus and the fragile callus, which were able to differentiate into adventitious buds and roots.

Calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinase OsCIPK23 functions in pollination and drought stress responses in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Drought is very harmful to grain yield due to its adverse effect on reproduction, especially on pollination process in rice. However, the molecular basis of such an effect still remains largely unknown. Here, we report the role of a member of CBL （Calcineurin B-Like） Interacting Protein Kinase （CIPK） family, OsCIPK23, in pollination and stress responses in rice. Molecular analyses revealed that it is mainly expressed in pistil and anther but up-regulated by pollination, as well as by treatments of various abiotic stresses and phytohormones. RNA interference-mediated suppression of OsCIPK23 expression significantly reduced seed set and conferred a hypersensitive response to drought stress, indicating its possible roles in pollination and drought stress. In consistent, overexpression of OsCIPK23 induced the expression of several drought tolerance related genes. Taken together, these results indicate that OsCIPK23 is a multistress induced gene and likely mediates a signaling pathway commonly shared by both pollination and drought stress responses in rice.

Floral traits and pollination system of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum in the managed and wild populations in an arid region of Northwest China

Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, which belongs to Sarcozygium of Zygophyllaceae, is one of the ecologically important species in Northwest China. In order to understand the pollination system of Z. xanthoxylum, we investigated the following characteristics of this species in the Urat Desert-grassland Research Station in western Inner Mongolia of China： flowering dynamics, pollen viability, pollen limitation, floral visitors and breeding system. The results showed that the flowering period and flowering peak were different between the wild and managed popula- tions, being longer in the managed population. Z. xanthoxylum was pollen-limited, and pollen limitation was more intense in the wild population than in the managed population. Chalicodoma deserticola （Hymenoptera） was found to be the most frequent pollinator in the wild population, while Anthophora fulvitarsis （Hymenoptera） was the most frequent and effective visitor in the managed population. Out-crossing was dominant in the breeding system and self-pollination just played an assistant role to assure the reproduction of Z. xanthoxylum.

Pollination ecology in China from 1977 to 2017

China is one of most biodiverse countries in the world, containing at least 10% of all angiosperm species.Therefore, we should anticipate a diverse, pollinator fauna. China also has a long history of applied ethnobiology, including a sustainable agriculture based on apiculture and plant-pollinator interactions.However, the science of pollination ecology is a far younger sub-discipline in China, compared to in the West. Chinese studies in pollination ecology began in the 1970 s. For this review, we compiled a complete reference database(>600 publications) of pollination studies in China. Using this database, we identified and analyzed gaps and limitations in research on the pollination systems of native and naturalized species. Specifically, we asked the following questions: 1) What do we know about the pollination systems of native, Chinese species? 2) How does Chinese pollination ecology compare with the development of pollination research abroad and which aspects of research should be pursued by Chinese anthecologists in the near future? 3) What research on pollination in China will advance our understanding and contribute to our ongoing analyses of endemism and conservation? Subsequently, we segregated and identified prospective lines of future research that are unique to China and can only be done in China. This requires discussing priorities within a systematic approach.

Floral characteristics and pollination ecology of Manglietia ventii(Magnoliaceae),a plant species with extremely small populations(PSESP)endemic to South Yunnan of China

Manglietia ventii is a highly endangered plant species endemic to Yunnan province in China, where there are only five known small populations. Despite abundant flowering there is very low fruit and seed set,and very few seedlings in natural populations, indicating problems with reproduction. The causes of low fecundity in M. ventii are not known, largely because of insufficient knowledge of the species pollination ecology and breeding system. We conducted observations and pollination experiments, and analyzed floral scents to understand the pollinatoreplant interactions and the role of floral scent in this relationship, as well as the species breeding system. Like the majority of Magnoliaceae, M. ventii has protogynous and nocturnal flowers that emit a strong fragrance over two consecutive evenings. There is a closing period(the pre-staminate stage) during the process of anthesis of a flower, and we characterize the key flowering process as an "open-close-reopen" flowering rhythm with five distinct floral stages observed throughout the floral period of this species: pre-pistillate, pistillate, pre-staminate, staminate,and post-staminate. Flowers are in the pistillate stage during the first night of anthesis and enter the staminate stage the next night. During anthesis, floral scent emission occurs in the pistillate and staminate stages. The effective pollinators were weevils(Sitophilus sp.) and beetles(Anomala sp.), while the role of Rove beetles(Aleochara sp.) and thrips(Thrips sp.) in pollination of M. ventii appears to be minor or absent. The major chemical compounds of the floral scents were Limonene, b-Pinene, a-Pinene, 1,8-Cineole, Methyl-2-methylbutyrate, p-Cymene, Methyl-3-methyl-2-butenoate and 2-Methoxy-2-methyl-3-buten, and the relative proportions of these compounds varied between the pistillate and staminate stages. Production of these chemicals coincided with flower visitation by weevils and beetles.The results of pollination experiments suggest that M. ventii is pollinator-dependent, and low seed set in natural populations is a result of insufficient pollen deposition. Thus, conservation of the species should focus on improving pollination service through the introduction of genetically variable individuals and increase in density of reproducing trees.

Pollination and seed dispersal of Aquilaria sinensis(Lour.)Gilg(Thymelaeaceae):An economic plant species with extremely small populations in China

Pollination and seed dispersal in angiosperms have long been investigated in order to understand the coevolution of plants and animals.However,the signals from flowers and/or seeds to attract pollinators and/or seed dispersers have received comparatively little attention.In this study,the pollination biology and seed dispersal of the vulnerable agarwood plant Aquilaria sinensis(Lour.) Gilg,a traditional medicinal plant in China,was studied in its natural distribution range.The reproductive tactics of A.sinensis were studied in detail by employing various tests dealing with fruit set and also seed dispersal.Dynamic headspace extraction followed by GC-MS analysis was also performed in order to reveal the composition of floral scent.The results showed that noctuids and pyralids are the most effective pollinators of pollinator-dependent A.sinensis.The main compounds of the floral scent were(E,E)-α-Farnesene(61.9 ± 3.2%),trans-Ocimene(16.6 ± 1.2%),and Benzyl salicylate(4.6 ± 1.1%).The results obtained from seed dispersal experiments indicate that hornets are effective seed dispersers and they may play an important role in long-distance seed dispersal of A.sinensis.Based on our findings,we recommend several protection methods for this threatened agarwood plant in China.

Effect of Different Pollination Varieties on Qingxiang Pear Fruit Quality

With Qingxiang pear as test material,we study the effect of different pollination varieties on Qingxiang pear fruit quality. The results show that Xinshiji,Xizilu,Cuiguan and Yuanhuang as the pollination varieties for Qingxiang pear can create the best comprehensive quality,and these varieties can be chosen in production as the pollination varieties for Qingxiang pear,followed by Cuilu and Xishui.

The Effect of Low Temperature and High Temperature on Flowering and Pollination of Red Cartridge Kiwifruit in Western Guizhou in Early Spring of 2021

Based on the daily average temperature from March 19 to April 2,2021 at three surface meteorological stations in western Guizhou and the daily average temperature,maximum temperature and minimum temperature from March 19 to April 2,2021 at 12 main automatic meteorological stations of red cartridge kiwifruit base,the effects of low temperature and high temperature on flowering and pollination of red cartridge kiwifruit in early spring of 2021 were analyzed.The results showed that slight cold spell in later spring in western Guizhou occurred from March 21 to 23.The lower limit of the daily average temperature required for flowering period(12℃or below)appeared in each base of red cartridge kiwifruit during March 21-23,which affected the red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Faer,Houchang,Miluo,Shunchang,Panlong and Jichang bases flowering and pollinating before March 20.From March 29 to April 2,the daily maximum temperature of Faer and other eleven bases was 30℃or above,which caused the wilting and abscission of flowers and young fruits of of red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Faer,Houchang,Miluo,Shunchang,Panlong,shaomi,Jichang and Aga bases blooming and pollinating before March 24,but the flowers of red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Langdai,Longhe,Pugu and Shuangfeng bases blooming and pollinating after March 28 were not damaged.

Foraging and Pollination Behaviour of Apis mellifera adansonii Latreille （Hymenoptera, Apidae） on Gossypium hirsutum （Malvaceae） Flowers at Dang （Ngaoundere, Cameroon）

To evaluate Apis mellifera adansonii Latreille impact on fruit and seed yields of Gossypium hirsutum L., its foraging and pollinating activities were studied in Ngaoundere for two seasons. Observations were made on 340 flowers each year and divided in three treatments. The treatments included unlimited flowers access by all visitors; bagged flowers to deny all visits and limited visits by Apis mellifera adansonii only. The worker bees seasonal rhythm of activity, its foraging behaviour, its pollination efficiency, the fruiting rate, the number of seeds per fruit and the percentage of normal seeds were evaluated. Results show that this bee foraged G. hirsutum flowers throughout the whole blooming period. This bee species intensely harvested pollen and nectar. The mean foraging speed was 9.41 flowers per rain in 2009 and 8.41 flowers per min in 2010. The fruiting rate, the number of seeds per fruit and the percentage of normal seeds of unprotected flowers were significantly higher than those of flowers protected from insects. Through its pollination efficiency, Apis mellifera adansonii provoked a significant increment of the fruiting rate by 60.84% in 2009 and 36.48% in 2010, as well as the number of seeds per fruit by 94.16% in 2009 and 31.41% in 2010, and the percentage of normal seeds by 94.23% in 2009 and 33.49% in 2010. The installation ofA. m. adansonii colonies close to G. hirsutum fields could be recommended to increase fruit, seed and honey yields, and pollen production as a hive product in the region.