Pollinating insects of tropical fruits.
Peña J. E.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Agroecología : 6-20
Abstract : Tropical fruits form a large and diverse commodity group, that ranges from perennial to herbaceous species with diverse floral morphology, ranging from the most primitive (Annonaceae) to the most evolved ones such mangoes and avocados. For many years, pollination ecology in these crops has been focused on studies concerning bees (Apis mellifera). Besides bees, other insects in the orders Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera are important in the pollination of tropical fruit. These facts have caused a surge of studies on pollinators such as ants, flies, pollen-eating butterflies, and beetles. Results of studies on pollination of Annonaceae with species of the order Coleoptera (Nitidulidae), as well as pollinator management techniques in commercial Annona crops are discussed. Results from studies conducted by several authors on pollination of Lauraceae, Anacardiaceae and Passifloraceae are also discussed.