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Isolated bee pollination of crops is a traditional method of preserving plant germplasm or developing new varieties in agricultural research. In 2003, the Western Illinois University Alternative Crops Research Program utilized this approach for the first time. Six pollination cages were erected over desirable niger lines to allow for isolated pollination. Another six cages were placed over two rows of Cuphea, an advanced line and a wild accession, to encourage interspecific hybridization between the two rows. A nuc box consisting of 2 frames of honeybees and a feeder of sugar water were placed in each cage. Bees were provided by Dan Yoder, a professor in the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration Department at the university. Daily bee maintenance was performed by graduate student and alternative crops summer employee, Jana Poliska. Plants in Cuphea cages were harvested individually and will be assessed for oil content during winter chemical screenings.
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©2007 All photographs and content included at this website are protected by Western Illinois University. Comments concerning this web site may be directed to WB-Phippen@wiu.edu (309-298-1251). Last revised: January 23, 2007 |
