Comparison of two criteria on the essential number calculation of Andrena camellia. Issue 3 (19th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Dunyuan; Kou, Ruomei; Orr, Michael C.; Li, Hongying; Dou, Feiyue; Zhu, Chaodong
• Is Part Of: Bulletin of entomological research. Volume 111:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2021-06-19
• Subjects: Andrena camellia Wu, -- Camellia oleifera Abel, -- essential numbers, -- foraging behavior, -- pollen, -- pollination; Entomology -- Periodicals; 595.7
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007485320000747
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-4853

Abstract

Abstract: Andrena camellia Wu is one of the primary pollinators of Camellia oleifera A. in China. In this paper, the essential number of individuals for efficient pollination by this species was calculated via two criteria, based on various indicators including counts of pollen grains in provisions, from single visits, and from single foraging trips overall; single flower visit duration; single flight period duration; number of eggs laid by a single female over their lifetime; and the average number of flowers per plant. Based on the number of pollen grains collected per flower visit, the essential number of females necessary is 2107 in a 1-ha Camellia oleifera garden with 1800 plants, while only 1998 female individuals are essentially needed when estimated based on the mean number of pollen grains collected in a single flight period. We argue that the essential number estimated by the former method is more reasonable and accurate for practical applications.