Flower-visitors, nectar production, and inflorescence size of Asclepias syriaca

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1380-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. Willson ◽  
R. I. Bertin
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Flowering Phenology ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Floral Display ◽  
Asclepias Syriaca ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Inflorescence Size ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
The Common

Spatial and temporal variation in insect visitation rates are analyzed with respect to nectar production and inflorescence size of Asclepias syriaca L., the common milkweed. Nectar sugar production peaked in the afternoon and evening but this trend was not paralleled by visitations of native insects (either vectors or thieves). The main pollinia vectors were noctuid moths at night and honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the afternoon. Vector visitation rates were highest at the beginning (native species) or middle (total vectors) of the blooming season, declining markedly toward the end, probably as a result of decreasing frequencies of A. syriaca flowers. Large inflorescences attracted more vectors and more thieves and a higher proportion of all visits were made by vectors but the species composition of visitors did not usually change with inflorescence size. We discuss the possibility that honey bees may provide major 'new' selection pressures on floral display, nectar production patterns, and flowering phenology in the common milkweed.

scholarly journals Pollination biology of Cleomella serrulata and Polanisia dodecandra in a protected natural prairie in southern Alberta, Canada

Botany ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (11) ◽  
pp. 745-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Higuera-Díaz ◽  
Jessamyn S. Manson ◽  
Jocelyn C. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
First Record ◽  
Flowering Phenology ◽  
Floral Resources ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Nectar Volume ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Pollination Systems ◽  
Generalist Pollination

Flowering plants that attract a diverse range of pollinators represent a generalist pollination system. Studying these plants provides valuable information about accessibility of floral resources to pollinators, which is particularly important in areas where scarcity of flowers limits pollinator populations. Here, we describe the flowering phenology, reproductive biology, and visitor community of Cleomella serrulata (Pursh) Roalson & J.C.Hall and Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC., two native species with generalist pollination systems and limited distribution in Albertan prairies. Although their flowers are similar, they differ in traits such as petal colour, inflorescence size, and nectar display. Both species were facultatively cross-pollinated and exhibited nocturnal anthesis but differed in nectar production patterns. Cleomella serrulata produced highest nectar volume in the morning and highest sugar concentration at noon, while Polanisia dodecandra produced highest nectar volume before noon but sugar concentrations were higher at sunset. We observed 150 insect taxa visiting the plants, with Hymenoptera and Diptera as the most frequent visitors for Cleomella serrulata and Polanisia dodecandra, respectively. We recorded the first nocturnal flower visitors for Cleomella serrulata and the first record of Nysson plagiatus (Cresson) for Alberta. Both plant species present effective nectar and pollen resources for pollinators at the study sites and may be useful in the maintenance of native pollinators in at-risk prairie ecosystems.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Deutzia x carnea (Lem.) Rehd. as a food source to urban bees

2012 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzena Masierowska
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Flowering Phenology ◽  
Floral Display ◽  
Wild Bees ◽  
Enrich Food ◽  
Pollen Productivity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ornamental Shrub

This 3-year study examined the flowering phenology, to- tal floral display, nectar and pollen production as well as bee visitation to the ornamental shrub <em>Deutzia </em>x <em>carnea </em>(Lem.) Rehd. <br /><em>D. </em>x <em>carnea </em>bloomed from early June until the middle of July. The total flower display reached 47927 flowers per plant. The number of developed flowers strongly depended on weather conditions before and during the flowering period and fluctuated significantly during the years of study. The flower of <em>D</em>. x <em>carnea </em>lived 5 days and the persistence of an inflorescence was 11 days. <br />Nectar productivity per 10 flowers differed significantly between the years of study and ranged between 15.7 and <br />40.14 mg. Mean sugar content in nectar was 39.7%. The total sugar mass in nectar per 10 flowers averaged 9.91 mg (range: <br />3.81 – 18.91 mg). Pollen mass per 10 flowers was 16.89 mg. The estimated sugar and pollen productivity per plant was 36.8 g and <br />40 g, respectively. <br />Among bees (Apoidea), honey bees were principal visitors on <em>Deutzia </em>flowers. The peak of daily activity of honey bees and bumblebees occurred between 11.00 and 15.00 hrs, whereas the presence of other wild bees was noted in the morning and in the late afternoon. All bees gathered mainly nectar, but pollen collectors were also noted. The mean daily visiting rate was 0.0809 visits per flower × min<sup>-1</sup>. <br />The use of this shrub in gardens and parks should be encouraged in order to enrich food pasture for urban Apoidea. However, its cultivation is limited to areas of mild climate and adequate water supply.

scholarly journals Karadeniz Sahil Kuşağında Yağlık Kolza (Brassica napus L.,) Bitkisinin Çiçeklenme Fenolojisi, Çiçek Sayısı, Nektar ve Polen Potansiyelinin Belirlenmesi

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 1407
Author(s):  
Necda Çankaya ◽  
Ulviye Kumova
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Flowering Phenology ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
First Year ◽  
Pollen Production ◽  
Brassica Napus L ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Second Year

This research was carried out in 2011 and 2012 in order to determine the flowering phenology, number of flowers, nectar and pollen potential in the Samsun province of the oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), which is widely used in agriculture in our country. In the first year of the study (2011), it was determined that the rapeseed plant was in flower for 44 days, there were 2.694 flowers per plant, 1.89 kg/da nectar per day and 1330 kg/da pollen production. In the second year of the research (2012), it was revealed that the rapeseed plant was in flower for 39 days, there were 701 plants/flower in the plant, 0.38 kg/da nectar secreted daily and 331.57 kg/da pollen. According to the results of two years, the yield of rapeseed was found to be 41.5 days, the daily nectar production was 0.23 mg/flower/day, the nectar dry matter level was 20.25% and the pollen production was 0.48 mg/flower/day. In Samsun province, it was determined that rapeseed plants flowered before the flowering of many plants in the vicinity in the early spring, and provided honey bees, Apis mellifera L., and many other honey bees, nectar and pollen. It has been demonstrated that the cultivation of rapeseed is cultivated in the early spring, and it can be a convenient source of food for honey bees and other dusty insects.

scholarly journals Daily fluctuations in pollination effectiveness explain higher efficiency of native over exotic bees in Lepechinia floribunda (Lamiaceae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-520
Author(s):  
Matias Cristian Baranzelli ◽  
Santiago Benitez-Vieyra ◽  
Evangelina Glinos ◽  
Alejandra Trenchi ◽  
Silvina Córdoba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Quantitative Estimation ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Floral Display ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Lower Efficiency ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency

Abstract Background Despite Stebbins’ principle of the most efficient pollinator being proposed decades ago, the most important pollinators are still mainly identified using the frequency of visits to flowers. This shortcoming results in a gap between the characterization of the flower visitors of a plant species and a reliable estimation of the plant fitness consequences of the mutualistic interaction. The performance of a mutualistic visitor depends on its abundance, behaviour, effectiveness (pollen removal and deposition per unit time) and efficiency (seed set per unit time) conditioned by the temporal matching between pollinator activity and temporal patterns of maturation of the sexual functions of flowers. Although there have been recent attempts to provide a conceptual and methodological framework to characterize pollinators’ performance, few have combined all key elements of visitors and plants to provide an accurate estimation of pollinators’ performance under natural conditions. Methods We complement information on the flower biology and mating system of the sub-shrub Lepechinia floribunda (Lamiaceae) to provide a daily quantitative estimation of performance (effectiveness and efficiency) of the more abundant pollinators, i.e. native bumble-bees (Bombus spp.) and leafcutter bees (Megachile sp.), and the exotic honey-bee (Apis mellifera). Key Results Unlike honey-bees or leafcutter bees, native bumble-bees matched the daily pattern of nectar production and stigma receptivity, and showed higher effectiveness and efficiency. Despite the overabundance of honey-bees, visits occurred mainly when stigmas were not receptive, thus reducing the honey-bees’ overall performance. Conclusions Bumble-bees appear to be the most important pollinators and potential historical mediators of reproductive trait evolution in L. floribunda. Because the production of seeds by bumble-bees involved fewer pollen grains for plants and less investment in floral display than honey-bees, contemporary and expected changes in pollinator abundance may affect future L. floribunda floral evolution. If bumble-bees were to be further displaced by anthropogenic disturbance or by competition with honey-bees, their lower efficiency will select for a larger floral display increasing reproductive costs. This scenario may also impose selection to reduce dichogamy to match honey-bee foraging activity.

Diversity of organisms

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip James
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
The Common ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Diversity Of Life

The focus of this chapter is an examination of the diversity of living organisms found within urban environments, both inside and outside buildings. The discussion commences with prions and viruses before moving on to consider micro-organisms, plants, and animals. Prions and viruses cause disease in plants and animals, including humans. Micro-organisms are ubiquitous and are found in great numbers throughout urban environments. New technologies are providing new insights into their diversity. Plants may be found inside buildings as well as in gardens and other green spaces. The final sections of the chapter offer a discussion of the diversity of animals that live in urban areas for part or all of their life cycle. Examples of the diversity of life in urban environments are presented throughout, including native and non-native species, those that are benign and deadly, and the common and the rare.

scholarly journals Aging effect on nectar production in two clones of Asclepias syriaca

Oecologia ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Southwick ◽  
E. E. Southwick
Keyword(s):  
Aging Effect ◽  
Asclepias Syriaca ◽  
Nectar Production

Thinking honeyeater: nectar maps for the Northern Territory, Australia

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Z. Woinarski ◽  
Greg Connors ◽  
Don C. Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Northern Territory ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
The World ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
The Times ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Nectar Availability

We create monthly maps of nectar availability for the 1.4 x 106 km2 jurisdiction of the Northern Territory, Australia. These are based on a combination of vegetation mapping and a series of indices of plant species specific nectar scoring. The maps reveal complex spatial and temporal variation in nectar availability, but most notably a greater nectar resource in the monsoon-influenced north than in the arid south, and a peak in nectar availability in the dry season. The latter is associated with the extensive tropical eucalypt forests (especially those co-dominated by Eucalyptus miniata and E. tetrodonta). In contrast, wet season nectar availability in these forests is limited, but riparian and swampland forests, typically dominated by Melaleuca species, provide rich but spatially restricted nectar resources. The extensive and rich nectar resources available in eucalypt forests in the dry season supplement the diets of many species which are not primarily nectarivorous. This resource helps shape the singularity of northern Australian eucalypt forests relative to other extensive forests elsewhere in the world. Nectarivores remain in the system through a combination of movements across a number of scales, habitat shifting, and diet shifting. The latter is aided by the peaking of invertebrate and fruit resources at the times of minimum nectar production; a shuffling in resource availability brought about by the extreme climatic seasonality.

scholarly journals Do abundance and proximity of the alien Impatiens glandulifera affect pollination and reproductive success of two sympatric co-flowering native species?

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 130-139
Author(s):  
Valérie Cawoy ◽  
Mathieu Jonard ◽  
Carolin Mayer ◽  
Anne-Laure Jacquemart
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Pollen Deposition ◽  
Impatiens Glandulifera ◽  
Insect Behaviour ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
Aconitum Napellus ◽  
Negative Effect

In invasion ecology, potential impacts of aliens on native flora are still under debate. Our aim was to determine the pollinator mediated effects of both proximity and abundance of an alien species on the reproductive success of natives. We chose the highly invasive Impatiens glandulifera and two native species: Epilobium angustifolium and Aconitum napellus ssp. lusitanicum. These species share characteristics allowing for pollination interactions: similar biotopes, overlapping flowering periods and same main pollinators. The effects of abundance (5, 25 and 100 individuals) and proximity (0 and 15 m) of the alien on visitation rate, insect behaviour, pollen deposition and reproductive success of both natives were investigated during 2 flowering seasons. We used centred visitation rates as they can be directly interpreted as a positive or negative effect of the invasive.Both abundance and proximity of the alien increased bumblebee visitation rates to both natives. On the other hand, abundance of the exotic species had a slight negative effect on honeybee visits to natives while its proximity had no effect. The behaviour of bumblebees changed as visitors left significantly more often the native plants for I. glandulifera when its abundance increased. As a consequence of this “inconstancy”, bees deposited considerable quantities of alien pollen on native stigmas. Nevertheless, this interspecific pollen transfer did not decrease seed set in natives. Self-compatibility and high attractiveness of both native species probably alleviate the risk of altered pollinator services and reproductive success due to the invader in natural populations.

scholarly journals Busy Bees: Variation in Insect Flower-Visiting Rates across Multiple Plant Species

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret J. Couvillon ◽  
Chandra M. Walter ◽  
Eluned M. Blows ◽  
Tomer J. Czaczkes ◽  
Karin L. Alton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
The Other ◽  
Insect Diversity ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
Insect Visitation ◽  
Flower Visiting

We quantified insect visitation rates by counting how many flowers/inflorescences were probed per unit time for five plant species (four native and one garden: California lilac, bramble, ragwort, wild marjoram, and ivy) growing in Sussex, United Kingdom, by following individual insects (n=2987) from nine functional groups (honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombusspp.), hoverflies, flies, butterflies, beetles, wasps, non-Apidae bees, and moths). Additionally, we made a census of the insect diversity on the studied plant species. Overall we found that insect groups differed greatly in their rate of flower visits (P<2.2e-16), with bumble bees and honey bees visiting significantly more flowers per time (11.5 and 9.2 flowers/minute, resp.) than the other insect groups. Additionally, we report on a within-group difference in the non-Apidae bees, where the genusOsmia, which is often suggested as an alternative to honey bees as a managed pollinator, was very speedy (13.4 flowers/minute) compared to the other non-Apidae bees (4.3 flowers/minute). Our census showed that the plants attracted a range of insects, with the honey bee as the most abundant visitor (34%). Therefore, rate differences cannot be explained by particular specializations. Lastly, we discuss potential implications of our conclusions for pollination.

Plant-insect relationships between common milkweed Asclepias syriaca (Gentianales: Asclepiadacees) and the European skipper Thymelicus lineola (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 1553-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy N. McNeil
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pest ◽  
Asclepias Syriaca ◽  
The Common ◽  
Common Milkweed Asclepias Syriaca

European skipper adults aggregate on common milkweed and their legs and (or) proboscis often become entangled in the flowers. Occasionally this results in the loss of legs or in the death of the insect. Normally the insects escape unharmed and frequently carry with them milkweed pollinia, attached to the extremity of their tarsi. Thus the European skipper, an insect pest, may act as a pollinating agent of a weed pest, the common milkweed.

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