Pollinators in biofuel agricultural systems: the diversity and performance of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) on Jatropha curcas in Mexico

摘要: As with other biofuel crops, information on the effect of insect pollinators and landscape context productivity sustainability Jatropha curcas is lacking. We studied pollinator exclusion, self-pollination, cross-pollination individual visits stingless bee Frieseomelitta nigra honey Apis mellifera fruit set weight seed J. curcas. compared relative abundance both species flowers whether their attributes (ratio male to female flowers, nectar quantity quality) affect visitation rates. Finally, we sampled various plantations analyze proportion forest surrounding a site affects diversity. Significant higher rates were obtained from open, cross-pollinated, F. A. visited self-pollinated non-pollinated ones revealing importance bees for production. had similar quality, but former was significantly more abundant crop suggesting better performance. Male than by in spite amounts sugar. The matrix positive correlation diversity plantations. Our results indicate that preserving patches around may increase presence native ensure sustainable levels pollination.