Prashant B. Sandipan1* and p.k. jagtap2
1& 2Niger Research Station (NRS), Vanarasi, Navsari Agricultural University (NAU),
Navsari – 396 580 (Gujarat), India
Email: prashantsandipan@gmail.com
Received-11.05.2015, Revised-18.05.2015
Abstract: Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass) is one of the important minor oilseed crop of hilly regions and it is used for oil purpose only by the tribal people. Therefore a study was planned to document about the role of honeybees as a pollinator in increasing the seed yield in Niger crop with paired plot technique at the Niger Research Station (NRS) at Navsari Agricultural University (NAU) and at farmer’s field, Vanarasi, Navsari, Gujarat and also studied its cost benefit ratio (CB) of Niger cultivar. The trial was conducted at Niger Research Station (NRS), Vanarasi in 2014-15 and at farmer’s field to ascertain the involvement of honey bees (Aphis mellifera) in escalating the seed yield of Niger crop (Due to pollination) and its effect on income due to increase in the Niger seed yield. Significant differences were observed for number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitula, 1000 seed weight and seed yield in both the location. However, the seed yield and gross returns were considerably higher in first location of T1 Natural plot/ open pollinated with Bee hive (Aphis mellifera). The maximum seed yield of 275 Kg/ha with the gross return of Rs. 16,500/- was obtained in this treatment.
Keywords: Niger, Honeybee, Aphis mellifera, Pollination
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