Comparative study of pollination of Mangifera indica L. in conventional and organic crops in the region of the Submedio São Francisco Valley.
Siqueira K. M. M. de, Kiill L. H. P., Martins C. F., Lemos I. B., Monteiro S. P., Feitoza E. de A.
Author Affiliation: Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Campus III, Juazeiro-BA, Cefet-Petrolina, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 30 : 303-310
Abstract : A study was carried out in 2005 and 2006, in a commercial mango cv. Tommy Atkins plantation on Frutex Farm, in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, to verify the floral biology as well as study the behaviour, frequency and seasonality of the floral visitors in both organic and conventional crops. The mango tree inflorescences presented male and hermaphrodite flowers (2:1), with predominance of the first ones at the bases of the panicles. The flowering was diurnal, asynchronic, with liberation of strong and sweet odour. The flowers presented dicogamy, characterized by anther dehiscence at 24 h after flowering. The nectar production was continuous and in small amounts, on an average of 0.045 µl/flower. Concerning the flower visitors, 21 species were registered, belonging to the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Odonata. Apis mellifera was the most frequent visitor in both types of crops. Among the Diptera, Belvosia bicincta (17.7%) and Musca domestica (10.2%) were the most frequent visitors in conventional and organic crops, respectively. The diversity and number of visitors were higher in the organic crop. The use of agrotoxics during the flowering period reduced the visit of bees (50%) and Diptera (20%). Because of its behaviour, frequency and active movement in the inflorescences, A. mellifera was considered as the most efficient pollinator of the crop in São Francisco Submédio Valley.