Behavior of Solitary Pollinators and Their Effect on Berseem and Alfalfa Seed Yield and Yield Components in Mediterranean Environments

摘要

The allogamous legume seed production industry, particularly in Mediterranean environments, depends on agronomic techniques, weather conditions and pronubial insect activity. Farmer demands of certified forage legume seed on the Italian market are satisfied by acquiring seed from abroad. The experiments report on the effect of solitary pollinators: leafcutter and mason bee on pollination in two varieties of allogamous forage crop species. The ethology of the pollinators was found to be influenced bythe prevailing weather conditions during pollination. Seed production was influenced by pollinators; seed per fructiferous organ was the yield component most affected. The effect ot insect behavior on seed yield and yield components depends on distance from the nest.