Author/Authors :
Saeed, Shafqat Bahauddin Zakariya University - University College of Agriculture - Department of Entomology, Pakistan , Sajjad, Asif Bahauddin Zakariya University - University College of Agriculture - Department of Entomology, Pakistan , Kwon, Yong Jung Kyungpook National University - College of Agriculture and Biosciences, South Korea
Abstract :
Cotton is self-pollinated crop but cross-pollination by insects can increase the yield. The potential of managed honey bees has largely been tested for cotton pollination whereas a little is known of bumble bees (Bombus terrestris). Current study aimed to evaluate the potential of bumble bees as cotton pollinator. Cotton varieties MNH-552 and MNH-633 were sown in greenhouse for bumble bee pollination experiment and in open field for open pollination. Hand pollination and control treatments were also maintained. The maximum number of seeds per boll was produced as a result of bumble bee pollination followed by hand pollination and open pollination. Bumble bee and hand pollination resulted in higher seed cotton weight per boll as compared to control. The overall results suggest that bumble bees can significantly improve cotton reproductive success and can further be explored for their potential as yield management strategy of cotton crop.
Keywords :
Bumble bee , Bombus terrestris , cotton , pollination , yield
