Stingless Bees Enhance Crop Yields
Recent research marks the role of stingless bees in agriculture. Conducted by Nagaland University, the study reveals how these bees can improve crop yields and quality. The research focuses on two species – Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera. These species were identified as the most efficient pollinators among eleven insect varieties studied. The findings suggest that stingless bees can be a sustainable solution for crop pollination, especially in regions where traditional honeybees may not thrive.
Stingless Bees and Crop Pollination
Stingless bees are effective pollinators, particularly for chilli crops. Their introduction led to a remarkable increase in fruit set. In king chilli, fruit set rose from 21% to 29.46%. Similarly, common chilli saw an increase of 7.42%. These improvements extend beyond just quantity; seed weight also increased by 60.47%, indicating better viability. This research puts stress on the importance of these bees in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Methods of Research
Over ten years, researchers employed various methods to assess the impact of stingless bees on crop growth. They conducted experiments in both open fields and controlled greenhouse environments. The study also involved comparing the foraging behaviour of different insect species. The results showed that stingless bees outperformed other pollinators, including syrphid and houseflies.
Economic Benefits of Stingless Bees
The honey produced by stingless bees is not only valuable but also contributes to farmers’ income. The study found that honey extraction can provide additional financial benefits alongside improved crop yields. This dual advantage makes stingless bees an attractive option for farmers seeking sustainable practices.
Conservation and Future Research
The research team aims to raise awareness about the conservation of stingless bees and other wild pollinators. They are also working on improving beekeeping techniques to enhance honey production. Future studies will explore the potential pharmaceutical benefits of stingless bee honey and its application to other crops like passion fruit and chow chow.
Geographic Distribution and Domestication
Stingless bees are predominantly found in the northeastern, eastern, and southern states of India. Traditional rearing practices exist in these regions, particularly in Nagaland. The research represents a pioneering effort to scientifically domesticate these bees, paving the way for broader agricultural applications.
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