ENHANCING TOMATO FRUIT SET IN OPEN FIELDS THROUGH POLLINATION SERVICE BY BUZZING BEES Xylocopa spp.

Abstract

Pollination is a vital process for the reproduction of flowering plants and significantly influences agricultural yields. Pollination efficiency directly affects fruit set and quality in tomato Solanum lycopersicum cultivation. This study explored the role of Xylocopa spp., or buzzing bees, in enhancing tomato pollination in open-field conditions, where traditional pollinators, such as honeybees, may be less effective. Using randomized block design experiments, the effects of Xylocopa pollination on fruit set, size, and seed development were compared to those of treatments involving other pollinators or their exclusion. The findings indicated that Xylocopa bees had significantly increased fruit set, with improved fruit size and higher seed counts. These results highlight the superiority of vibrational buzz pollination performed by Xylocopa spp., which efficiently releases pollen from the anthers. Additionally, Xylocopa-pollinated tomatoes demonstrated enhanced resilience to environmental stressors, underscoring their potential role in sustainable agriculture. The study concluded that integrating Xylocopa spp. into open-field tomato cultivation can optimize pollination services, leading to higher yields and better-quality fruit. These findings advocate for the conservation and promotion of Xylocopa populations to support eco-friendly and efficient agricultural practices. Further research on their ecological dynamics and interactions with other pollinators is recommended to fully harness their benefits in agroecosystems.