EFFICACY OF BEE ATTRACTANTS IN MAXIMIZATION OF SEED YIELD OF NIGER

摘要

Studies were made on the efficacy of bee altractants in maximization of seed yield of niger at Dharwad during kharif season of 2000. Spraying Fruit boost @ 0.5 ml/l and tuberose floral scented water had significant influence in attracting more pollinators. Consequently, significantly more seeds (30.72 seeds/ head vs. 23.95 and 23.83 in open pollinated and caged crop, respectively) were recorded in the treatment with Fruit boost. Similarly application of Fruit boost produced highest test weight (3.51g as against 2.71 and 1.98 g in open pollinated and caged crop) and yield (4.93 q/ha as against 2.72 and 2.01 q/ha in open pollinated and caged crop) which resulted in an increase of 81.25 and 145.27 per cent in yield over open pollinated and caged crop, respectively. Efficacy of attractants on oil content differed. However, fruit boost, tuberose floral scented water and cinnamon leaf extract improved germination of seeds and seedling vigour.