Seed set in Guayule (Parthenium argentatum, asteraceae) in relation to insect pollination

A. N. Mamood, D. T. Ray, G. D. Waller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Guayule (Tarthenium argentatum, Asteraceae) is one of two major plant species grown for natural rubber. Studies were conducted to determine the effect of honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination and season on seed set and total seed yield/ha. The experiments involved four pollination treatments: plants caged with bees; plants caged without bees; plants open pollinated (uncovered); and plants individually covered. Seeds were harvested monthly July-September 1984, and May-September 1985. Plots with bees produced at least 150% more seeds than plots without bees, and there were no qualitative differences in the seed weights among treatments. Highest seed yield was in May and September. Results indicate that (1) insect pollination in guayule increases seed yield and (2) fewer seeds are produced in the warmest months.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)440-444
Number of pages5
JournalEconomic Botany
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1990

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Plant Science
  • Horticulture

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