Foraging and pollination behavior of Apis mellifera adansonii (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on Physalis micrantha (Solanales: Solanaceae) flowers at Bambui (Nord West, Cameroon)

Abstract

From June to July 2013 and 2014, Physalis micrantha flowers were observed in view to estimate the apicultural value and assess the impact of Apis mellifera adansonii on fruit and seed yields of this plant. Observations were made on 73 to 2212 flowers per treatment. The treatments included unlimited floral access by visitors, bagged flowers to deny all visits and, limited visits by A. m. adansonii only. Foraging and pollination behavior of A. m. adansonii were registered, the fruiting rate and the number of seeds per fruit were recorded. A. m. adansonii was the most frequent insects visiting flowers of P. micrantha in the two years. The foraging activity of A. m. adansonii allows the classification of this Solanaceae as a highly nectariferous and polliniferous bee plant. The pollination activity of this bee resulted in an increase in the fruiting rate by 1.68%, as well as the number of seeds per fruit by 2.09%. Conservation of A. m. adansonii nests close to em>P. micrantha fields could be recommended to improve fruit production, increase pollen production as a hive product and maintain bees’ colonies during the raining season.