Pollinator identity and behavior affect pollination in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch.)

PeerJ

Brian T. Cutting¹  Lisa J. Evans¹  Melissa A. Broussard²  David E. Pattemore²  Heather McBrydie²  Brad G. Howlett³  Samantha F.J. Read³ 

[1]Plant and Food Research Australia Ltd, Brisbane, Australia

[2]The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand

[3]The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Lincoln, New Zealand

关键词: Kiwifruit;    Actinidia chinensis;    Pollination efficiency;    Pollination effectiveness;    Alternative pollinators;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.12963

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Many crop plants rely on insect pollination, particularly insect-pollinated crops which are functionally dioecious. These crops require insects to move pollen between separate plants which are functionally male or female. While honey bees are typically considered the most important crop pollinator species, many other insects are known to visit crops but the pollination contribution of the full diversity of these flower visitors is poorly understood. In this study, we examine the role of diverse insect pollinators for two kiwifruit cultivars as model systems for dioecious crops: Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa ‘Hayward’ (a green-fleshed variety) and A. chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’ (a gold-fleshed variety). In our round-the-clock insect surveys, we identified that psychodid flies and mosquitoes were the second and third most frequent floral visitors after honey bees (Apis mellifera L), but further work is required to investigate their pollination efficiency. Measures of single-visit pollen deposition identified that several insects, including the bees Leioproctus spp. and Bombus spp. and the flies Helophilus hochstetteri and Eristalis tenax, deposited a similar amount of pollen on flowers as honey bees (Apis mellifera). Due to their long foraging period and high pollen deposition, we recommend the development of strategies to boost populations of Bombus spp., Eristalis tenax and other hover flies, and unmanaged bees for use as synergistic pollinators alongside honey bees.

【 授权许可】

Unknown