NECTAR SUGAR PRODUCTION AND FLOWER VISITORS OF THE BRAMBLE, RUBUS ELLIPTICUS SMITH (ROSACEAE), AT SOLAN, INDIA

Abstract

Nectar sugar production in flowers of Rubus ellipticus averaged 6.93 mg/flower at 24 h and the accumulation of the sugar in the bagged flowers occurred only during the first 24 h of flower opening. The amount remained unchanged up to 72 h and then the flowers began to wither. Nectarivores collected about 80 per cent of the total nectar secreted. The concentration of solutes as determined from the honey sac contents of foraging Apis mellifera, ranged from 65.3 to 71.3 %. Honey bees (A. mellifera and A. cerana indica) were the prominent nectar foragers on the bloom. Other Hymenoptera, various Diptera and Lepidoptera were the other visitors.