A study on pollination of sunflowers (Hilianthus annuus)

Abstract

In a trial on an irrigated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crop in northern Victoria, plots to which bees had access produced in excess of 60 per cent more seed than plots from which bees were excluded. The number of seeds set per cm2 of flower head, the percentage germination and the oil content of seed from plots serviced by bees were significantly greater than from plots without bees. Individual seeds were heavier in plots without bees than in those serviced by bees.