Survey of insect visitation of ornamental flowers in Southover Grange garden, Lewes, UK  

作　　者：Mihail Garbuzov Elizabeth E. W.samuelaon Francis L. W. Ratnieks 

机构地区：[1]Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom

出　　处：《Insect Science》2015年第5期700-705,共6页昆虫科学（英文版）

摘　　要：Ornamental flowers commonly grown in ttrban gardens and parks can be of value to flower-visiting insects. However, there is huge variation in the number of insects attracted among plant varieties. In this study, we quantified the insect attractiveness of 79 varieties in full bloom being grown in a public urban garden that is popular due to its beautiful flowers and other attractions. The results showed very clearly that most varieties （77%, n = 61） were either poorly attractive or completely unattractive to insect flower visitors. Several varieties （19%, n = 15） were moderately attractive, but very few （4%, n = 3） were highly attractive. Closer examination of Dahlia varieties showed that ＂open＂ flowered forms were approximately 20 times more attractive than ＂closed＂ flowered forms. These results strongly suggest that there is a great potential for making urban parks and gardens considerably more bee- and insect-friendly by selecting appropriate varieties.Ornamental flowers commonly grown in ttrban gardens and parks can be of value to flower-visiting insects. However, there is huge variation in the number of insects attracted among plant varieties. In this study, we quantified the insect attractiveness of 79 varieties in full bloom being grown in a public urban garden that is popular due to its beautiful flowers and other attractions. The results showed very clearly that most varieties （77%, n = 61） were either poorly attractive or completely unattractive to insect flower visitors. Several varieties （19%, n = 15） were moderately attractive, but very few （4%, n = 3） were highly attractive. Closer examination of Dahlia varieties showed that ＂open＂ flowered forms were approximately 20 times more attractive than ＂closed＂ flowered forms. These results strongly suggest that there is a great potential for making urban parks and gardens considerably more bee- and insect-friendly by selecting appropriate varieties.

关 键 词：bumble bees DAHLIA double flowers honey bees pollinating insects wildlifefriendly gardening 

分 类 号：S663.401[农业科学—果树学] TU984.12[农业科学—园艺学]