Honey bee (Apis mellifera L) response to simulated onion nectars containing variable sugar and potassium concentrations

Abstract

Potassium concentrations in nectars of several common onion (Allium cepa L) culti- vars were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concentrations ranged from 5 347 to 6 914 ppm. Honey bee (Apis mellifera L) collection of artificial nectars containing potassium, glu- cose, fructose, and sucrose concentrations, similar to several common onion cultivars, was evaluat- ed quantitatively. Bees ingested greater volumes of nectar containing low potassium content. When simulated nectars had approximately equal concentrations of potassium, bees preferred nectar with higher carbohydrate content.