Observations on the role of the honey bee in the pollination of blackcurrants variety ‘magnus’

Abstract

The pollination of blackcurrants cv. ‘Magnus’ was studied in the Levin district for two seasons. The variety depended only partially on insect visitation for pollination. Bushes sleeved to exclude honey bees and bumble bees had approximately 30% fewer berries than those not sleeved. Honey bees were much more important pollinators than bumble bees. “Running off” occurred even on bushes caged with colonies of honey bees to receive abnormally high bee visitation. In some plantations heavier yields may be obtained if hives were brought in during the flowering period. © 1976 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.