Hybrid Onion Seed Trial, 1987

Abstract

Successful seed production of open pollinated onion (Allium cepa L.) is difficult in Arizona. Providing adequate pollen transfer by honey bees (Apis mellifera) to ensure adequate seed set is a problem often encountered. Honey bees discriminate between onion cultivars. Onion flowers appear to be less attractive to honey bees than flowers of most competing plants. Bees may neglect the crop, particularly if another highly attractive plant species is in bloom. This honey bee discrimination has led to poor onion seed yields. This report compares seed production among five onion cultivars in Tucson, Arizona.