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An Interaction Between Pollinators and Reciprocals in an Alfalfa Cross¹

The extent of a reciprocal difference for seed and hay yield in a cross between two alfalfa clones was affected by the method of pollination. When compared to honey-bee pollination leaf-cutter bee pollination increased the difference by causing a higher yield of hay and seed with one clone as a female and a lower yield with the other clone as a female. Selfing on the more self-fertile clone is considered of importance in the reciprocal effect. However, the more self-fertile clone also has smaller seeds than the more self-sterile clone. Apparently the efficiency of pollen transfer between different alfalfa plants is different for leaf-cutter bees and honey bees.

Key Words: hybrids • leaf-cutter bees • honey bees • heterosis

² Research Agronomist, Crops Research Division, Agrictdtural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Received for publication July 24, 1967.