Rubus idaeus L., pollinators in X Region (Chile)

Pollination entomofauna associated to raspberry cultivation was determined by direct observation and insect capture. Four pollinating agents were reco rded; two of them, Apis mellifera L. and Corynura chloris Spin. were the mo st significant. Pollen grains carried on the insect's body and pollen prese nt in the digestive tract were counted. The bee carries a bigger pollen loa d, mainly in the thorax and did not show significant difference between mor ning and afternoon visits. C chloris is more active during the morning and carries similar quantities of pollen grains from several other species, inc luding R. idaeus. Corynura chloris has pollen all over its body, and it lin gers longer in the flowers than the bee. A. mellifera is a faithful and eff icient pollinator of R. idaeus. Using the methods presented here, pollen lo ad in pollinating insects can be determined qualitative and quantitatively.