The importance of certain insects as pollinators of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

This study reports the effects of Apis mellifera L. (honeybees), Astylus atromaculatus Blanchard (spotted maize beetles), Heliothis armigera Hübner (American bollworm larvae) and Musca domestica L. (house flies) on seed set in commercial sunflower. The pollination efficiency of these insects was assessed. Commercial sunflower in cages with honeybees gave a seed yield of 1 859 kg ha⁻¹ (72% seed set) compared with 1 221 kg ha⁻¹ (45% seed set) in cages with no insect pollinators. A seed set of 73% was achieved in open control treatments. Spotted maize beetles are efficient as pollinators (76% seed set), while American bollworm larvae (44% seed set) and house flies (38% seed set) were insignificant as pollinators of sunflower.