[Pollinator] Sugar refractometers

[Ivmpartners2]

Would you happen to have a comprehensive list of nectar refractory indices (nD values) for a range of native US plant families?
Rick Johnstone

Rick Johnstone 

> On Apr 6, 2015, at 10:24 AM, Peter Bernhardt <bernhap2 at slu.edu> wrote:
> 
> What it be possible to have a discussion on the merits of different models of hand-held sugar refractometers?  This is the time of year in which our lab receives inquiries on what we use and what they should order.
> 
> Since 1985, our lab has remained faithful to the hand-held sugar refractometer models produced by Bellingham and Standley.  We've ordered them through Epic and try to keep up with changes in models.  We currently use the Eclipse 45-03 for nectars removed from flowers under bridal veil or muslin.  We've been happy with Eclipse models over the years as they provide a reading with only 2 micro liters of fluid.  We are currently writing up our paper on pollination of Asclepias meadii.  Nectar extractions were easy as a first day flower usually secreted about 5 micro liters.  Yes, our lab also sends out dried nectar spots for biochemical analyses (sugars and amino acids) when the budget permits.
> 
> However, I recently received an inquiry about a refractometer to measure sugar concentrations removed from the crops of honeybees.  We've never done that in our lab.  I notice that Bellingham and Standley offer a "honey and water" model.  I've never used it and wonder if anyone here has?
> 
> http://www.bellinghamandstanley.com/ltd/handheld_tech.html
> 
> Peter
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