Oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

Herbaceous annual or biennial plant bearing racemose inflorescences with yellow flowers and long siliques (fruits). Oilseed rape is an important agricultural crop, cultivated as fodder or for its oil-rich seeds used in industry and food production.

Importance for bees: Often one of the most important forage sources of the season in agricultural regions of the Plateau. The abundant nectar flow strongly stimulates colony development but also promotes swarming.

Distribution: Cultivated almost exclusively north of the Alps; occasionally found in the wild on rubble or disturbed ground.

Flowering period: from April to June

Pollen: ❶❷❸❹

Nectar: ❶❷❸❹

Honey: Blossom honey often contains oilseed rape. Rape honey is the most important monofloral honey north of the Alps, mainly on the Plateau. This honey crystallises rapidly due to its high glucose content.

Legend: Beekeeping value is indicated using the scale: 1 (low), 2 (medium), 3 (good) and 4 (very good)
(Maurizio & Schaper, 1994; Pritsch, 2007).

See also:

Author

Agroscope; www.agroscope.ch