Pollination efficiency of Apis mellifera in seed production of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Studies on the pollination efficiency of Apis mellifera in seed production of sunflower Helianthus annus L. revealed that the number of filled seeds/capitulum (728.2), seed set (75.5) and 1000-seed weight (55.90) was maximum in hand + insect pollinated crop followed by open to all insect pollinators and Apis mellifera pollinated crop. The hand + insect pollinated (15.95 q/ha) and insect pollinated (13.93 q/ha) crop gave significantly higher yield over self and other modes of pollination. Although Apis mellifera pollinated crop was statistically at par with self and hand pollinated crop but the germination percentage was significantly higher in hand + insect pollination (85.50%) followed by open to all insect pollination (80.60%).