Australian horticulture relies heavily on the introduced managed honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to pollinate crops. Given the risks associated with reliance upon a single species, it would be prudent to identify other taxa that could be managed to provide crop pollination services. We reviewed the literature relating to the distribution, efficiency and management potential of a number of flies (Diptera) known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia and worldwide. Applying this information, we identified the taxa most suitable to play a greater role as managed pollinators in Australian crops. Of the taxa reviewed, flower visitation by representatives from the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae and Syrphidae was frequently reported in the literature. While data available are limited, there was clear evidence of pollination by these flies in a range of crops. A review of fly morphology, foraging behaviour and physiology revealed considerable potential for their development as managed pollinators, either alone or to augment honey bee services. Considering existing pollination evidence, along with the distribution, morphology, behaviour and life history traits of introduced and endemic species, 11 calliphorid, two rhiniid and seven syrphid species were identified as candidates with high potential for use in Australian managed pollination services. Research directions for the comprehensive assessment of the pollination abilities of the identified taxa to facilitate their development as a pollination service are described. This triage approach to identifying species with high potential to become significant managed pollinators at local or regional levels is clearly widely applicable to other countries and taxa.

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& Context High temperature stress in nurseries germinating Eucalyptus globulus seed is an important problem affecting germination synchrony and rate. Where there is a risk of hightemperature stress, then the choice of female parent may be important. This issue is particularly relevant to the production of full-sib families from mass-supplementary pollination where there may be opportunities for seed producers to manipulate the directionality of the crossing done in seed orchards.& Aims This study aimed to quantify the maternal versus paternal influence of seed sensitivity to high temperature stress during germination. & Methods A diallel crossing scheme involving four genotypes was used to test the relative importance of male and female genetic influences on the germination and development of E. globulus seed and their response to high temperature stress. Seed was germinated at optimum (25°C) and supra-optimal (32°C and 37°C) temperatures, and six traits

Development of onion (Allium cepa L., cv. ÔEarly Cream GoldÕ) seed under cool climate conditions in Tasmania, Australia occurred over a longer duration than previously reported, but similar patterns of change in yield components were recorded. In contrast to previous studies, umbel moisture content declined from 85 to 67 % over 57 days while seed moisture content decreased from 85 to 31 %. Seed yield continued to increase over the duration of crop development, with increasing seed weight compensating for seed loss resulting from capsule dehiscence in the later stages of maturation. Germination percentage was high and did not vary significantly from 53 to 77 days after full bloom (DAF), but mean germination time declined and uniformity of germination increased significantly over the same time period. The percentage abnormal seedlings declined with later harvest date, resulting in highest seed quality at 77 DAF. The results of this study suggest that the decision to harvest cool climate onion seed crops before capsule dehiscence will result in a loss of potential seed yield and quality.

This chapter describes the principles and practices of Apiaceae seed production. While much of the information presented relates directly to carrot seed production, it is also relevant to production of most other Apiaceae seed crops. Where possible, information and examples from other crops have been included. Discussions focus on reproductive biology, open-pollinated and hybrid seed production, production locations and methods, site selection, preparation and planting, crop nutrition, irrigation, weed control, rogueing, management of flowering and pollination, pests and diseases, seed development, timing of harvest, and seed treatments.