Comparison of Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa varipuncta Patton) (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) and Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as Pollinators of Male-sterile Cotton in Cages1

Abstract
Carpenter bees (Xylocopa varipuncta Patton) compared favorably with honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) as pollinators of A-line and B-line cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in field cages. Yields of seed cotton on the A-line plants were not significantly different when comparing seven carpenter bees per cage with one colony of honey bees per cage. The B-line plants produced significantly more seed cotton in the cages with honey bee pollinators, thus supporting the meager evidence favoring the rental value of honey bee colonies in normal cotton production fields.