Out Of The Comb
Our research also connects with crop production. In collaboration with the AUA Laboratory of Agronomy, we studied open pollination compared with pollinator exclusion, weed management and intercropping in two experimental cycles: field-grown crops and potted plants.
Initial experimental results showed that, in sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.), an important forage legume, plants with access to pollinators were taller, had more inflorescences and seeds, and achieved greater crop density.
Legumes attract pollinators, contributing to fruit set both in the crop itself and in neighbouring crops.