Researchers Identify up to 98 Potential Species of Melon, Watermelon and Almond Pollinating Bees

The pollinating species of most of the crops in the European Mediterranean regions are still unknown. In this study, whose first signatory is Sara Rodrigo, a researcher at the University of Castilla-La Mancha and in which the Complutense University of Madrid and the National Museum of Natural Sciences also participate, 98 species of bees were identified (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) associated with melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and almond (Prunus dulcis) crops. This fact shows that, in addition to honeybees, local pollinators can be important in the pollination of crops.

 

This process is important given the high dependence of the honeybee to maintain the pollination of crops, although the activity of these insects is limited by the use of pesticides and, in addition, their density compromises the service of the wild bee species.

 

Doing research on the different types of bees that visit crop flowers is an essential requirement to maintain a pollination service for these and to implement integrated crop pollination, a new concept that aims to make controlled use of wild pollinators.

 

"Both melon, watermelon and almonds have pollen that is not carried by the wind, for which they depend to a great extent on pollinators for their reproduction. Therefore, the results of these studies will help in the planning of conservation actions to preserve the pollinating diversity in the Spanish areas that have these crops, which are of great economic importance in Spain," highlight Jesús Selfa and Miguel Guara, professors of the Department of Zoology and the Department of Botany and Geology, respectively, of the University of Valencia.