?Pollinators of Lavandula angustifolia Mill., an important factor for optimal production of lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil is widely used in pharmacy, perfumery and the food industry. It one of key oils aromatherapy due to its valuable pharmacological properties. The producers lavender are well aware that greatest quantity obtained near end inflorescence anthesis correlated with pollination as unpollinated flowers drop down. In addition, it has been demonstrated quality also highest at flowering period, related gradual increase monoterpenes (particularly linalool) decrease sesquiterpenes during flower ontogenesis. aim this preliminary study was measure occurrence spontaneous self-pollination Lavandula angustifolia Mill. identify external pollinators. field experiments were performed a plantation Gorna Lipnitza Village, north Bulgaria ex-situ collection experimental plot Botanical Garden Sofia University. revealed did not occur from which pollinators had excluded. Exposed pollinated by polylectic insects, such honeybees, several species bumblebees butterflies. Wild bumblebees) dominated over honeybees both sites. Our observations showed all actively collected nectar. pollen baskets most bees full, indicating active consolidation adhering pollinators’ bodies. Although growers tend place beehives fields for optimal production, crucial conserve wild