Using Commercial Bumblebees in The Pollination of Field Grown Tomatoes A Case Study: “Caged Tomatoes in Open Fields”

Year 2018, Volume: 18 Issue: 1, 15 - 21, 30.11.2018

Tunç Dabak Çiğdem Özenirler

Abstract

There are many disquisitions that points
out the efficiency of bumblebees in the production of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato). Tomato flowers do not produce
nectar and also releasing pollen from the poricidal anthers can be possible if
only the bees use buzzing behavior. Although the plant is not an attractive
source for the bees, thanks to greenhouse technologies, we can use bumblebees
to pollinate tomatoes. In this study, our aim was to create a simple
pollination cage for field grown tomatoes and evaluate foraging behaviors of
commercial bumblebees in this cage. Within this scope, the pollen storages of
the hive were evaluated. The weather conditions in the microhabitats (inside
the hive, inside the cage, outside of the cage and 15 meters far from field)
were compared to see if the cage material changes temperature and/or humidity.
Yield analyses were applied both in open field and caged tomatoes. Solanum lycopersicum L. plant is
preferred by bumble bees unless there is a more attractive plant around. The
temperature values were found significantly different whereas humidity values
were not. As a result of the study, total tomato production and the numbers of
seeds were increased with the pollination of bees. We can claim that
pollination cages are also usable for the entomophilous plants production and
can be alternative systems for non-heating green houses.  

Keywords

Solanum lycopersicum L., bumblebees, pollination, open field, cage, pollen analysis

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