Pollination of mango in the Letsitele Valley during the 1992 flowering season: first report.
Toit A. P. du, Swart D.
Author Affiliation: Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X134, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 13 : 129-130
Abstract : Returning foragers were examined for nectar, water, pollen and bee-glue in a 14 ha mango orchard (cultivars Kent and Keitt) in the Letsitele Valley. Low frequencies of pollen and nectar foragers indicated limited quantities of available pollen and nectar. Despite this, honey bees were observed visiting the inflorescences throughout the day and were even observed collecting extra-nectar from the bases of panicles, which has not been reported previously. It was concluded that extra-floral nectaries may help to ensure sufficient numbers of pollinators by helping to sustain honeybee colonies.