Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: The yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) needs pollinators for fructification due to the existence of mechanisms that impede self-pollinating. Pollinators of great efficiency for the yellow passion fruit in Brazil are the bumblebee species (Xylocopa frontalis, X. grisescens and X. Suspecta). Deforestation by agricultural expansion in the region has a negative impact on these pollinators�?? populations, leaving space for the action of cleptobiotic species with further damage to fruit production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of pollinating bees and floral visitors during yellow passion fruit culture�??s post anthesis period in Northern Paraná and its fructification effects. Three passion fruit plantations in Northern Paraná were evaluated in the counties of Londrina and Assaí. Transect census were realized in each area, delimiting two 50 meter-paths, where the presence of bee in the open flowers was registered. Transects were run through for five minutes, every 15 minutes, starting at 1 pm and finishing at 8 pm. Results showed that the bumblebees present in the Northern Paraná region were the Xylocopa frontalis and X. suspecta, with the predominance of the first. Highest fructification rates occurred in the areas with more frequency of bumblebees and low frequency of cleptobiotic bees. Lowest fructification rates were due to the absence of bumblebees or high frequency of cleptobiotic bees
Language: English
Topic: Plant and animal studies
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2963437449