Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.2478/botcro-2019-0019

Nectar and pollen production of Helianthus tuberosus L. – an exotic plant with invasiveness potential

Bożena Denisow ; Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Subdepartment of Plant Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Karolina Tymoszuk orcid.org/0000-0002-1945-7567 ; Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Subdepartment of Plant Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Marta Dmitruk orcid.org/0000-0001-9930-0633 ; Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Subdepartment of Plant Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland

Abstract

In Central Europe, Helianthus tuberosus L. is a late summer/autumn bloomer (August/November). The disc florets produce both nectar and pollen. Floral reward is available in male-phase flowers (pollen and nectar) and in female-phase flowers (nectar). The floral reward is attractive to a variety of insect visitors (honey bees, wasps, flies and butterflies). The season of blooming as well as the total sugar yield (25.4 – 47.4 kg ha–1) and pollen yield (57.8 – 212.7 kg ha–1) indicate that H. tuberosus is important in the enhancement of food resources for pollinators. The generative reproduction in H. tuberosus is impaired (the species does not set seeds/fruits). However, due to its attractiveness for a variety of pollinators in both rural and urban areas, the spread of H. tuberosus should be monitored. Moreover, its propagation needs to be attended with restrictions.

Keywords

alien plant; Apis mellifera; Bombus spp.; insect visitors; nectar; pollen

Hrčak ID:

225647

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/225647

Publication date:

1.10.2019.

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