ISHS Acta Horticulturae 288: VI International Symposium on Pollination
SELECTION OF POLLINATORS FROM THE PORTUGUESE FAUNA OF WILD BEES |
| Author: | M.L. Maciel Correia |
| Abstract:
After surveying the abundance, diversity, seasonality and bionomics of wild pollinators from the rich Portuguese fauna of wild bees, the study of the biological cycle of selected species, development of artificial rearing methods for propagation and subsequent field release, was carried out. The previous evaluation of the local fauna of pollinators has shown that 3 species of bumble bees (Bombus), 2 species of leaf-cutter bees (Megachile) and 3 species of Osmia are very promising. A survey of bumble bees in the Portuguese Northwest region suggests that one species, the Bombus terrestris L. may produce two generations in a season. This implies a possible maximum flight intensity of the workers, observed early in April/May and another in October/November. Quantitative evaluations and the study of colonies in the field and greenhouses clearly show that, in this country, this species raises two generations each season. | |
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