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Influence of bumble bee pollination on fruit parameters of tomato over Control (Crop without pollinator)
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... (93.87g) than produced from flowers without bee pollination. A noteworthy difference in yield was recorded for both the treatments, control and the bee pollinated plants. The bee pollination treatment recorded significantly higher (12.7 kg/m 2 ) fruit yield than the control (6.86 kg/m 2 ) and resulted in an increase of 64.79% over control ( Fig. 1 and Table 2). The number of healthy fruits was also higher in bumble bee pollinated tomato plants (93.33%) than control (76.54%). B. haemorrhoidalis pollinated plants accounted 38.41 per cent increase in the number of fruits per plant and 21.9 per cent increase in healthy fruits over control plants. Minimum numbers (9.8) of misshapen ...
Context 2
... per cent increase in the number of fruits per plant and 21.9 per cent increase in healthy fruits over control plants. Minimum numbers (9.8) of misshapen were observed in B. haemorrhoidalis pollinated plants. Fifty four per cent decrease in number of misshapen fruits was observed in bumble bee pollinated plants as compared to control plants ( Fig. 1 and Table 2). The bumble bee treatment recorded significantly higher (102.95) seed number per fruit than control (59.50). Similarly 1000 seed weight was statistically higher (6.32g) for bee pollinated tomato than without bee ...
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Citations
... Abak et al. (2000) observed that bumblebee activity in unheated plastic houses cultivating eggplants peaked between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., declined by midday, and resumed in the late afternoon. Similar findings were reported for cucumbers (Kashyap, 2007), bell peppers (Thakur et al., 2008), and tomatoes (Yankit et al., 2018). These studies indicate that aligning pollinator introduction with peak activity periods can optimize pollination efficiency and crop yield.Bumblebee pollination significantly enhances crop yield and quality. ...
... Similar benefits were observed in peppers (Serrano et al., 2006), pumpkins (Nault et al., 2011), and other crops. Yankit et al. (2018) reported increases in the number of fruits per cluster and yield, alongside improvements in fruit dimensions and reduced deformities in tomato. Thakur et al. (2021) documented enhancements in bell peppers, including a 24.6% increase in fruit weight and an 89.4% rise in yield per plant. ...
Protected cultivation is a transformative agrotechnology offering enhanced yield, quality, and resource efficiency. Pollination, a critical determinant of crop productivity, faces unique challenges in controlled environments, necessitating innovative strategies. This review highlights various pollination techniques, including manual, mechanical, and biotic methods, and their application in vegetable crop cultivation. While manual methods like hand pollination ensure precision, they are labor-intensive. Mechanical solutions, such as handheld vibrators, air blowers, and electrostatic devices, provide scalable alternatives but often lack the efficiency of natural pollinators. Biotic agents, including bumblebees, honeybees, stingless bees, and solitary species like carpenter bees and Australian blue-banded bees, emerge as sustainable and effective solutions. Their adaptability to greenhouse conditions and selective pollen transfer capabilities significantly enhance fruit set, Review Article 236 quality, and yield. Emerging technologies, such as robotic pollinators and pulsating air systems, further complement traditional methods. This review underscores the importance of integrating diverse pollination strategies to optimize productivity in protected cultivation systems.
... Honey bees are less efficient than carpenter bees in pollinating tomato plants (Free and Butler 1959;Goudia et al. 2023). When compared to tomato crops pollinated by honey bees, the carpenter bee-pollinated fruits had a higher number of seeds and a bulkier weight of 1000 seeds (Yankit et al. 2018). ...
Tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill is a self-pollinated crop, found almost
everywhere in the world. It is widely cultivated in the tropics and susceptible to a wide variety
of pests. The most significant pests found in L. esculentum are tomato fruit borer, serpentine
leaf miner, and whitefly, while flea beetles and aphids are of minor importance. The natural
enemies, ladybird beetles, spiders, praying mantis, rove beetle, red ant, dragonfly (red body),
and damselflies (blue, brick red, and black body) and some parasitoids are found predating on
various pests in L. esculentum. The Carpenter bee is the most frequent floral visitor and is
considered the main pollinator of tomatoes. In the present chapter, dynamics of major pests as
well as natural enemies and pollinators found particularly in tropics is reviewed. Additionally,
the importance and management of major pests are also briefly described.
... The present investigation revealed that foraging rate was maximum at 1000 h (4.73) than at 1500 h (4.46) and 1200 h (2.78) for all insect visitors. The above results are in accordance with Yankit (2016) who recorded the maximum rate of foraging in morning and minimum during noon on tomato. Similarly, pooled data indicated that foraging rate (irrespective of day hours) was maximum for B. haemorrhoidalis (4.96) (Fig. 1). ...
... Studies on foraging speed in the present investigation are in conformity with Nayak et al. (2019) who delineated that the speed of foraging of A. mellifera was the most in1000-1200h (11.50 sec/flower) and least (9.09 sec/flower) during 0600-0800 h. The present findings are similar to the foraging speed investigations in tomato by Yankit (2016). According to which the time spent in tomato flower was maximum (6.82 sec/ flower) at 0800-0900 h. ...
Insect pollinators are found to be highly significant in enhancing the quality fruit production and productivity. The experiment was conducted during April–May 2020 and 2021 at Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to determine the pollination indices of significant insect pollinators visiting pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The data on pooled basis from two years revealed that Bombus haemorrhoidalis visited most number of flowers during the day (4.96 flowers/min) followed by Apis mellifera (4.24), Apis cerana (3.95), Apis dorsata (3.76) and Episyrphus balteatus (3.09). The time spent on each flower was maximum by A. cerana (17.10 sec/flower) followed by E. balteatus (17.04 sec), A. dorsata (14.20 sec), A. mellifera (13.07 sec) and haemorrhoidalis (5.36 sec) irrespective of different day hours. A. mellifera (5.43 bees/m2/2 min) activity was maximum followed by A. cerana (5.06), E. balteatus (2.91 visitors/m2/2 min), B. haemorrhoidalis (1.72) and A. dorsata (1.37). Data on loose pollen grains for the two years revealed that A. dorsata adhered maximum number of loose pollen grains (357.00 thousand) followed by B. haemorrhoidalis (283.00 thousand), A. mellifera (98.00 thousand), cerana (41.00 thousand) and solitary bees (28.00 thousand). A. mellifera scored highest pollination index and A. dorsata scored least pollination index. A. mellifera, A. cerana and B. haemorrhoidalis are the primary pollinators that increase pomegranate pollination efficiency whereas A. dorsata, E. baltaeatus and solitary bees are supplementary insects improving pollination in various crops including pomegranate. A. mellifera, A. cerana, B. haemorrhoidalis and A. dorsata were main foragers of pomegranate flowers ensuring effective and efficient pollination.
... Similarly,Nayak et al. (2020) found that in a comparison between entomological pollination and manual artificial pollination in greenhouse tomato production, the use of Bombus genus bees resulted in larger fruits and a higher seed count than in plants not pollinated by these insects. Other authors such asVergara and Buendia-Fonseca (2012) andYankit et al. (2018) reported similar results in comparable experiments, showing a higher number of seeds per fruit and thousand-grain weight. Finally, according toSwitzer et al. ...
The present study aims to analyze, based on bibliographic sources, the possibility of using bumblebees (genus Bombus) in the pollination of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in vertical farms, as well as their advantages and costs. The work includes the definition of vertical farms and their structures, the description of tomato pollination methods in nature, comparisons between different pollination methods in the vertical farming system, cost analyses, and characteristics of these bees that allow their adaptation in enclosed environments with the use of artificial lighting. Considering the high costs in these systems, the hypothesis of using entomological pollination as an alternative to reduce costs is justified. The review was conducted systematically, searching academic databases for relevant articles, theses, and reports on entomological pollination in vertical farms. In conclusion, it can be observed that these bees, besides being excellent pollinators, can possibly adapt to the characteristic conditions of a vertical farm. However, the behavior of these insects within this system has been poorly studied, with many opportunities and topics in this area that can serve as a starting point for future experiments.
... Honey bees are vital for pollinating more than one hundred commercial crops in North America. Sunflower seed production is an economically significant industry that relies heavily on honey bees [45]. ...
Insects play a pivotal role in agriculture, acting both as beneficial pollinators and as destructive pests. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, are essential for the successful reproduction of many crops, enhancing biodiversity and contributing significantly to global food production. Conversely, insect pests pose substantial threats to agricultural productivity by damaging crops, leading to economic losses and increased reliance on chemical pesticides. This duality underscores the complex interplay between insects and agricultural systems, necessitating integrated pest management strategies that balance the promotion of pollinators and the control of pests. Understanding and managing these dual roles are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security while maintaining ecological balance.
... From the United Kingdom, more than 25 species have been identified (Prys-Jones and Corbet 1987) [53] . 48 species of the genus Bombus have been identified in India, 30 of which are native to the Kashmir Himalaya (Williams et al., 2008) [78] . Bombus waltoni Cockerell, Bombus keriensis Morawitz, Bombus asiaticus Morawitz, Bombus personatus Smith, Bombus rufofasciaticus Smith, Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith, and Bombus tunicatus Smith are some of the native bumble bee species found in Himachal Pradesh. ...
... This is because pollination by both bee species produced fruit with similar masses and numbers of seeds, and X. pubescens pollination increased fruit set three times more than honey bee pollination did (Adi et al., 2007) [3] . Bumble bees have the potential to be sufficient pollinators in open fields and greenhouses since they are significant pollinators of a wide variety of crops, including buzz pollinated crops like blueberries and tomatoes as well as both large-flower and small-flower crops (Desjardins and De Oliveira, 2006;Yankit et al., 2018) [17,78] Additionally, buzz pollination by Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith in India produces fruits that are bigger, longer, heavier, and healthier, particularly in kiwi fruit (Nayak et al., 2019) [48] . ...
... This is because pollination by both bee species produced fruit with similar masses and numbers of seeds, and X. pubescens pollination increased fruit set three times more than honey bee pollination did (Adi et al., 2007) [3] . Bumble bees have the potential to be sufficient pollinators in open fields and greenhouses since they are significant pollinators of a wide variety of crops, including buzz pollinated crops like blueberries and tomatoes as well as both large-flower and small-flower crops (Desjardins and De Oliveira, 2006;Yankit et al., 2018) [17,78] Additionally, buzz pollination by Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith in India produces fruits that are bigger, longer, heavier, and healthier, particularly in kiwi fruit (Nayak et al., 2019) [48] . ...
... Although tomato is a self-pollinated crop, its exerted stigma type varieties get facilitated with pollination supplementation. Yankit et al. (2018) studied bumblebee pollination in tomatoes under protected conditions. They reported a significant increase in the number of fruits per cluster, fruits per plant, and seeds per fruit compared to the control treatment. ...
... Supplemental far-red light in greenhouse cultivation can therefore influence pest management and the services provided by beneficial arthropods (Meijer et al., 2023). The use of domesticated bumblebees in greenhouse tomato is an efficient method to increase fruit yield and quality compared to manual or self-pollination (Ahmad et al., 2015;Strange, 2015;Yankit et al., 2018), and their services might likewise be affected by far-red light. Our results indicate that bumblebees preferentially forage on tomato plants exposed to +FR, and that far-red light does not interfere with bumblebee foraging behaviour. ...
... One or two pollinator visits are sufficient to successfully pollinate tomato flowers, and increased visitation rates do not further increase fruit quality (Morandin et al., 2001;Nunes-Silva et al., 2013). However, as mentioned earlier, the use of natural pollination by bumblebees increases tomato fruit yield and quality compared to manual pollination (Ahmad et al., 2015;Strange, 2015;Yankit et al., 2018), and our results indicate that the use of supplemental far-red light does not interfere with the foraging behaviour of bumblebees. Furthermore, the use of supplemental far-red light by itself is an efficient method to improve tomato crop yield due to its effects on fruit number and quality (Hao et al., 2016;Kalaitzoglou et al., 2019;Zhang et al., 2019), Combining both factors might further improve tomato fruit yield in greenhouse systems. ...
... Various field and greenhouse studies clearly demonstrate that bumblebee pollinated crops yield high-quality fruit (Ellis et al., 2017;Ercan & Onus, 2003;Kevan et al., 1991;Morandin, Laverty & Kevan, 2001;Yankit et al., 2018). Yankit et al. (2018) confirmed that the tomato pollination efficacy of the bumblebees compared to non-bumblebee treatment under protected conditions leads to a higher fruit yield, number per cluster, number of fruits, fruit breadth, weight and length. ...
... Various field and greenhouse studies clearly demonstrate that bumblebee pollinated crops yield high-quality fruit (Ellis et al., 2017;Ercan & Onus, 2003;Kevan et al., 1991;Morandin, Laverty & Kevan, 2001;Yankit et al., 2018). Yankit et al. (2018) confirmed that the tomato pollination efficacy of the bumblebees compared to non-bumblebee treatment under protected conditions leads to a higher fruit yield, number per cluster, number of fruits, fruit breadth, weight and length. Researchers also reported, that bumblebee pollinated tomato plants produced rounder fruits (93.33%) than control plants (76.54%). ...
Bumblebee activity interaction with solar irradiation, solar irradiation and HPS lighting irradiation, the HPS effect of photoperiod, day temperature and hive density were assessed with tomato fruit weights in a commercial tomato glass greenhouse in 2020–2021. Pollination activity was measured by observing ten randomly chosen cv. ‘Beorange’ tomato plants and by counting bumblebee bruised tomato flowers. MANOVA was conducted between factors and bee activity, followed by Pearson’s correlation. A Mann-Whitney U test was calculated to determine the significance between tomato flower bruising levels and fruit weights, followed by Cliff’s delta (d). Pollination activity decreased mainly in December and January when solar irradiation decreased to below 110 J cm−2 day−1. Bumblebee activity was significantly affected by solar irradiation with HPS lighting (p<0.001; p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between bumblebee activity and solar irradiation (r= 0.75; p<0.05), and solar irradiation with HPS lighting (r= 0.70; p<0.05). There was no correlation between bumblebee activity and fruit weights (r= −0.20; p<0.05). Bruised flowers had significantly greater fruit weight increases (165.7 g) compared to unbruised flowers (123.4 g) (d= 0.12; p<0.05). Bee activity rates between 60% to 80% can be concluded as an effective rate for tomato growers. Bumblebees need at least 110–154 J cm−2 day−1 of solar irradiation to achieve a high pollination activity rate in temperate climate zones during the winter season.
... Later the A. c. indica (7.10 h) visited the flowers and caused optimum pollination and enhanced fruit set, in comparison to other treatments. Similarly, the authors like Abak et al. (1995) and Abak et al. (2000) reported 22% yield increase when eggplant flowers were pollinated by Bombus impatiens in Illinois at Chicago, Farjado et al. (2008) reported 23.5% yield increase in insect pollinated eggplants, Yankit et al. (2018) recorded 38.41% increase in the number of eggplant fruits per plant when pollinated by B. haemorrhoidalis, Jayasinghe et al. (2017) noted 18.9 to 62.5% yield increase when the eggplant flowers were buzz pollinated by wild bees (Hoplonomia, Lasioglossum, Patellapis, Amegilla, and Xylocopa) in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the studies carried out by Kowalska (2008) to analyse the percentage of fruits formed from different classes of flowers showed that, 49-100% of long styled flowers and 46-85% of medium styled flowers pollinated by insects set fruits, whereas, the short styled flowers had rudimentary ovaries, thus, they set no fruits even after forced pollination by insects. ...
Although eggplant is self-fertile and self-compatible crop, it needs assistance of insects for buzz pollination. In the present study, floral biology of “Shyamili” variety was examined and the flowers were classified into three types, wherein, 62.63 ± 5.53% of the flowers were true flowers with long style, followed by rudimentary flowers with short style (24.74 ± 2.32%) and flowers with medium style (12.26 ± 0.97%). The optimum time period for stigma receptivity and pollen germination was recorded between 8.30 and 10.30 h, during which the activity of insect pollinators was at peak. A total of 29 insect species visiting eggplant flowers and the pollination behaviour of three insect pollinators (Bombus haemorrhodalis, Apis cerana indica and Apis mellifera) actively foraging on eggplant flowers was analysed. B. haemorrhodalis spent significantly higher amount of time per flower (34.33 ± 4.54 s), whereas, A. mellifera was swift flyer and visited significantly higher number of flowers per unit time (6.67 ± 1.03). In case of yield-related parameters, the flowers pollinated by interaction of two pollinators (A. c. indica + B. haemorrhodalis) recorded the best quality fruit (fruit length, girth and weight), yield per unit area and per cent yield increase over closed control. Moreover, artificial introduction of insect pollinators shortened the crop cultivation period by reducing the time required for fruit set and final harvest. Further studies are required to utilise both domestic ATED and wild bees simultaneously for commercial eggplant production and ecological engineering of the fields to create a suitable microclimate for survival and reproduction of wild bees.
