A study on pollination of oilseed rape (Brassica campestris)

Abstract

In a trial on an Oilseed Rape (Brassica campestris) crop grown on dry land in north-eastern Victoria, plots to which bees and larger insects had access produced 58 per cent more seeds per plant and 46 per cent greater weight of seed per plant than plots from which these insects had been excluded. The weight of 1000 seeds was significantly greater in the enclosed plots than in the open ones, but oil content of seed and germination did not differ significantly. Although hoverflies appear to play some role in pollination of rape we consider the honeybee the more efficient pollinator. Oilseed rape provides pollen and nectar for bees although no useable surplus of the latter was produced. Bee colonies increased brood rearing and colony population.