Pollination of avocados, mangoes and litchis.
Toit A. P. du
Author Affiliation: Insect Ecology & Honeybee Research Division, Pretoria, South Africa.
Plant Protection News : 4-5
Abstract : A study aimed at the promotion of subtropical fruit protection in South Africa by improving pollination practices has been initiated. The study is being conducted on avocados, mangoes and Litchi in the Eastern Transvaal Lowveld, and the following aspects were studied in the first year: identifying insect visitors to the florets, and investigating foraging by honeybees [Apis]. In avocados, honeybees were responsible for 81% of 752 insect visits recorded; many other insects visited the blossoms but in low numbers. Pollinating insects were shown to be of overwhelming benefit for fruit set. In mango orchards, 1323 insect visits were recorded; honeybees were frequent visitors to the panicles, together with solitary bees and blowflies (Rhyncomya forcipata). In Litchi orchards, honeybees comprised 75-96% of the visiting insects. Of other insect species, solitary, carpenter and membrane bees were the most abundant.