The pollination potential of Apis cerana Feb., Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera; Apidae) on yield of apricot (Prunus armeniaca)

There are various methods of pollination, such as wind and insects, in apricot. However, wind is not considered as an effective pollinating agent for apricot because of sticky pollens, and apricot needs insects to carry pollens from stamens to the stigma of another plant. Honeybees are significant floral visitors among other pollinators for the pollination of apricot. The efficacy of pollination by two honey bee species, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, in apricot under controlled condition was examined in the present study. One hive of each honey bee species was kept in orchard and their effect on the yield of apricot fruit setting was measured. The number of honey bees of these two species and other pollinators foraging on the open branches were also observed regularly during three different timings (i.e. 9.00am, 12.00pm, and 3.00pm) a day. Apis cerana population showed that it was directly proportional to the emergence of flowers and similar phenomenon was observed at the shedding of flowers. Significantly higher fruit yield (81%) in open-pollinated branches than closed-branches (19%) was recorded. Moreover, fruit size and quality was better in open-pollinated branches than closed-branches (covered with muslin cloth). We concluded that A. cerana was more active than A. mellifera during flowering and shedding in apricot. This study will help to manipulate the timings of insecticide spray in apricot orchard because the populations of honey bees and other pollinators will not be affected if spray done in the late evening (18.00pm to 19.00pm).