Effect of Apis cerana himalaya Fab. pollination on siliqua formation, seed set, seed quality, seed yield and oil content of rapeseed-mustard (Brassica rapa var. toria)

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Crop pollination by honey bees plays a vital role in improving the yield and quality of rapeseed-mustard. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of Apis cerana himalaya Fab. pollination on siliqua formation, seed set, seed quality, seed yield, and oil content in rapeseed-mustard under three pollination treatments: bee pollination (BP), pollination without insects (PWI), and open pollination (OP). The results revealed that bee pollination significantly enhanced all yield and quality parameters compared to PWI and OP treatments. Under BP, the maximum siliqua length (5.81 cm), highest number of seeds per siliqua (14.96), and greater seed yield (0.33 q/ha) were recorded, indicating the positive impact of efficient pollination on crop productivity. Seed quality parameters were also markedly improved under bee pollination, with higher germination percentage (89.57%) and 1000-seed weight (0.19 g). In addition, oil content was highest under BP (77.00%), demonstrating the beneficial effect of honey bee pollination on seed quality and economic value of the crop. The improved performance under bee pollination may be attributed to effective pollen transfer and better fertilization, leading to enhanced seed development and maturation. The findings highlight the significant role of Apis cerana himalaya in enhancing rapeseed-mustard productivity and emphasize the importance of pollinator conservation for sustainable agricultural production.

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