Study finds stingless bees increase crop yield, quality

Image used for illustration solely.
| Photo Credit: AP

GUWAHATI

A brand new examine has proven that stingless bees, which produce a high-value honey with a definite flavour, can increase the yield and quality of crops.

Researchers from Nagaland University’s Department of Entomology recognized Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera, two species of stingless bees, as probably the most environment friendly amongst 11 insect varieties recorded foraging on chilli booms within the open “under low hill conditions”.

The yield and quality of chilli and different crops elevated a number of instances when these stingless bees have been launched as pollinators beneath greenhouse circumstances, the examine revealed within the newest difficulty of the International Journal of Farm Sciences stated.

Entomologists Avinash Chauhan and Imtinaro L. of the college primarily based in Nagaland’s Lumami are the authors of the examine. Their analysis over 10 years additionally yielded strategies to minimise losses whereas rearing stingless bees for quality honey manufacturing free from impurities.

“Stingless bees can be used for pollination without fear of being stung. They are known for their popular medicinal honey and pollination potential, which paves the way formulation of crop pollination calendars to benefit all stakeholders. The honey produced by the bees during the experiments also provided extra income besides good crop production,” Dr Chauhan stated.

Of the 11 insect species noticed on chilli crops “grown as per good agricultural practices”, syrphid flies, houseflies, and stingless bees have been discovered to have foraged probably the most. The yield and quality parameters beneath completely different modes of pollination revealed that bees have been superior pollinators.

The researchers discovered that the fruit set in stingless bee-pollinated king chilli (Capsicum chinense) elevated to 29.46% over the non-pollinated crop (21% yield). Similarly, the fruit set in chilli (Capsicum annuum) elevated by 7.42% over the non-pollinated crop.

The seed weight, an indicator of viability or germination, additionally elevated by 60.47% when pollinated by the stingless bees.

“We are now working to improve the beekeeping rearing techniques and promote scientific beekeeping with honey bees and stingless bees for better honey production and pollination of crops. The focus is also to raise awareness among the people for the conservation of other wild honey bees and pollinators,” Dr Chauhan stated.

The different crops used for the stingless bee pollination take a look at included cucumber, ash gourd, watermelon, tomato, pumpkin, brinjal, and dragon fruit. The potential of those bees as pollinators for fruits corresponding to mango, guava, gooseberry, and Indian jujube was additionally noticed and recorded.

Stingless bees are reported primarily from the northeastern, jap, and southern Indian States. In the northeast, these bees are reared historically in homestead apiaries.