Pollinator behaviour in cultivated and wild Arctic Bramble (Rubus arcticus L.)

Abstract

Arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus) is a clonally growing, insect-pollinated, self-incompatible plant which is cultivated for its berries. In field studies of cultivated and natural stands it was observed that the pollinators (bumble bees and honey bees) foraged optimally, i.e., flight was towards the nearest flower. Therefore, in cultivation the plants should be planted so that the nearest neighbours belong to different clones. In general, the pollinators preferred white clover (Trifolium repens), growing as a weed, and cultivated strawberry as opposed to the arctic bramble. These plants appeared to be severe competitors for the pollinators, and care should therefore be taken to reduce their influence.