EFFECT OF INSECT POLLINATION ON SEED PRODUCTION IN LINSEED (LINUM-USITATISSIMUM)

The effect of bee visits to the flowers on flower longevity and capsule, seed and oil production in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cv. Antares. was investigated in two very different growing seasons (1988 and 1989); plots caged to exclude insects, plots caged with a honeybee colony and plots uncaged and open-pollinated by honeybees and bumblebees were compared. The experiments were conducted at Rothamsted Experimental Station Farm in Hertfordshire. Although honeybee visits to the flowers resulted in earlier petal fall, they did not increase capsule or seed production. It is concluded that the crop is self-fertile, self-pollinates well, and that inadequate pollination is not a factor limiting yield.