Can ants equal honeybees as effective pollinators of the energy crop Jatropha curcas L. under Mediterranean conditions

摘要: Jatropha curcas L. is the subject of many research and breeding programs concerned with its potential as an oil crop for biodiesel production. Despite increasing amount information regarding this relatively new crop, pollination requirements plant are largely neglected. The aim study was to evaluate relative significance ants honeybees pollinators J. grown under Mediterranean conditions. plants bloomed throughout summer fall, peaking twice, in early late fall. During period, were visited by 70 species insects representing 45 families from seven orders, most rarely being observed. Ants Honeybees common species, accounting g95% all flower visits. foraging behavior followed pattern bloom phenology, especially during summer, mostly promoted cross-pollination. on other hand, self showing no such correlative behavior, reacting often too nectar availability, highly susceptible climatic changes. Pollinator exclusion treatments revealed that fruit seed sets, well size protein contents, similar ant bee-pollinated flowers. however, reproductive success flowers high (66%), while set ant-pollinated significantly reduced 71 11%. In conclusion, both groups equal their effectiveness fall almost sole plant. Based phenology activity data, responsible more than 80% annual curcas,